September 12 – National Day of Encouragement and Interview with Caroline L. Perry

About the Holiday

Today’s holiday was conceived by the Encouragement Foundation at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas as a day to prompt people to consciously engage in encouraging and inspiring others. On September 12, 2007 Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe signed a proclamation for a “State Day of Encouragement.” President George W. Bush later established September 12 as a National Day of Encouragement. To celebrate today, cheer on your friends, coworkers, and even those you don’t know as they go about their day, attempt to reach goals, or start new endeavors. A pat on the back, a simple “you can do it!,” or a reassuring “great job!” boosts people’s self-confidence and makes the world a happier place.

Thank you to Scholastic for sending me a copy of Messi’s Magic for review.

Messi’s Magic: How Lionel Messi Became the G.O.A.T

Written by Caroline L. Perry | Illustrated by Luciano Lozano

Lionel Messi was born in Rosario, Argentina, where no matter what was going on—work or play—”everything stopped for soccer.” Leo’s brothers loved to play soccer in the backyard and Leo joined in “as soon as he could stand.” With his grandma Celia’s support, he joined the neighborhood team when he was only four years old. His first time out, he scored two goals against the older players.

At six years old, Leo joined a bigger club. As he grew older, he became a formidable player, spurred on by natural talent and his coach’s chocolate cookies. Over six seasons his skills “became even sweeter” as he scored nearly 500 goals and became the club champion. Then he was rocked by two unexpected events. First, his beloved grandma Celia died. Second, Leo was not growing taller like his teammates. Tests showed that he had a growth hormone disorder. Treatment would be expensive—more than his family could afford. While Leo’s parents worked longer hours, he worked on his skills. His practicing paid off when, at just 13, he was “offered a trial with FC Barcelona, one of Europe’s top soccer clubs.”

Even though he was nervous, “Leo dribbled, danced, and dazzled.” The team signed him right away and agreed to pay for his medical treatment. Far away from home, Leo struggled with his medicine and making friends. But Leo stayed focused, and when game days came he “dashed around defenders . . . set up stunning assists . . . glided past goalies” and made “GOAAAAALLLLLLLLL!!!” after “GOAAAAALLLLLLLLL!!!” At just seventeen, Leo joined FC Barcelona’s first team.

Now, his goals were met with the cheers of 90,000 fans, and when the team lost, Leo simply practiced harder. Whenever he made a goal, Leo “pointed two fingers up to the sky, dedicating the goals to Grandma Celia.” Now, Leo has his own soccer-obsessed family, and in Rosario “everything still stops for soccer. Especially when Leo Messi is making magic.”

Back matter includes a timeline of Leo Messi’s life, a list of his professional awards won and records set, more facts about Leo’s life and family, an Author’s Note, and an Artist’s note.

In her thrilling biography of Lionel Messi, Caroline L. Perry brings all the excitement of his phenomenal soccer skills as well as his resilience in the face of challenges to young readers. Her lyrical and descriptive storytelling hums with dynamic motion, honest emotions, and the long-held passion that kept Messi focused on his goals and his Goaaallll!s. Children—whether they play and watch soccer or engage in other activities—will find Lionel Messi’s childhood and teenage success fascinating, encouraging, and inspiring.

Luciano Lozano takes readers from Leo Messi’s backyard soccer field to the big leagues in his vibrant and realistic illustrations that spotlight Messi’s extraordinary talent and the pleasure playing gave him while also sensitively depicting his struggles with loneliness, grief, and his health. In one evocative page spread, Leo’s small stature is contrasted with the enormity of his dreams through an image of him and his shadow. The strong family support Leo enjoyed and now shares with his own children is also highlighted in heartwarming spreads.

Ages 4 – 8

Scholastic, 2025 | ISBN 978-1546179078

About the Illustrator

Luciano Lozano is an award-winning author, illustrator, and graphic artist based in Lionel Messi’s adopted city of Barcelona, Spain. Luciano’s picture books include Boys Dance by John Robert Allman, Ciao Sandro! by Steven Varni, and his very own Diana Dances. A self-taught artist who studied creative illustration in a postgraduate course at EINA University School of Design and Art of Barcelona, he also creates editorial art for newspapers and magazines worldwide. Learn more at lucianolozano.com.

Meet Caroline L. Perry

Caroline L. Perry is the author of the acclaimed picture book The Corgi and the Queen illustrated by Lydia Corry, as well as several forthcoming books for children. A lifelong soccer fan, a youth soccer coach, and mum to three soccer-obsessed kids (who can frequently be found squabbling over goal stats), Caroline also volunteers as a public-school writing instructor. She lives in Southern California with her family. Learn more at carolinelperry.com.

Today I’m chatting with Caroline L. Perry about how her newest book Messi’s Magic: How Lionel Messi became the G.O.A.T came to be, her experiences as a children’s soccer coach, and a few of her favorite small museums.

Hi Caroline! Thanks for taking the time to talk with me today! What most inspired you to write Messi’s Magic?

Since Messi signed with Inter Miami in 2023, he’s inspired young fans in a way we haven’t seen before—I like to joke that he’s the Taylor Swift of the sports world! There are already middle-grade and fact-based books about Messi’s journey, but I wanted to create something for the youngest supporters: a beautifully illustrated tribute that captures the magic of his journey from a small, shy child to the greatest soccer player of all time.

Can you share the book’s journey with readers?

Absolutely! When I write biographies, I use a ‘full immersion’ approach: I read, watch, and absorb everything I can about my subject, always looking for the story’s heart, or its ‘north star.’ Messi’s story is incredible, he overcame loss, serious illness and immense challenges on his path to greatness, and I think that’s really what makes him such a hero. Yes, he’s an exceptional player, but there are also so many elements from his life that young readers can relate to. My editor, Tracy Mack, was the perfect partner for this book, and the Scholastic team have been wonderful to work with. I couldn’t be happier with the way Messi’s Magic turned out!

What was the most surprising thing you learned while researching this book?

There were many fascinating details, but I was most surprised to learn that Messi was a very picky eater as a child, and that his incredible goal-scoring was sometimes encouraged with cookies (as someone with a very sweet tooth myself, this resonated!) I also discovered that Messi’s famous ‘two fingers to the sky’ goal celebration is actually a tribute to his late grandmother Celia, who played a huge role in nurturing his love of the game. I thought this was really beautiful, and it also tells us a lot about Messi’s character.

On your website, you mention that you’ve had fun coaching kids’ soccer. What is it about the game of soccer that would you say makes it a good experience for kids?

Me at the Inter-Miami vs LA Galaxy game with Leo Messi in the background.

Soccer is a wonderfully democratic sport—you don’t need anything except a ball, some determination and a willingness to learn. As a coach, it’s incredible to watch kids transform: I’ve seen really timid players become fearless defenders, and kids struggling with friendships form unbreakable bonds on the field. I’ve been lucky to witness so many moments of growth, teamwork, and pure elation after a win! Even in the sadder moments (following a loss, for example) magic happens when the team commiserates together.

Luciano Lozano’s realistic and action-packed illustrations really bring readers onto the field and into Leo Messi’s life. Did you get to see sketches along the way or how did the process go?

Yes! I was lucky to see sketches and artwork at various stages, and it was a very collaborative process. Luciano did an incredible job of capturing both Messi’s unique style of play and the electric energy of the stadium and crowd scenes.

Is there a certain spread that’s your favorite? If so, what makes it distinctive for you?

Oh, that’s tough! If I had to pick, it would be the spread showing Messi about to step onto the field at Camp Nou, FC Barcelona’s stadium, in front of 90,000 fans. The art radiates excitement and anticipation, and I love that Luciano included Messi’s contemporaries, Ronaldinho and Eto’o, as part of the scene. I hope young soccer fans will enjoy those details!

In your bio you mention that you love finding out-of-the-way museums. Which one of these museums stands out most in your memory and why?

There are a few! Pollocks Toy Museum in London is tiny, eccentric, and delightful, a real passion project filled with vintage treasures. Over the summer, I also took my kids to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s museum—we were the only visitors, but it was fascinating to see how pharmacy and medicine have evolved over the years. In Stockholm, we stumbled across a small Wooden Horse Museum, and I honestly wanted to take half of the exhibits home with me!

What’s the best thing about being a children’s author?

Honestly, it’s getting to engage with young readers, who are endlessly imaginative, curious, and enthusiastic. Their energy is often contagious and always inspiring!

Since this blog highlights holidays and you’ve lived in and traveled to so many countries, could you share one of your favorite global holidays and what makes it special?

My visit to a festa in Malta.

Malta, the tiny Mediterranean island where my extended family lives, will always hold a special place in my heart. The festas there are absolutely magical—each village celebrates its patron saint with music, fireworks, and food, and the whole community comes together. Malta itself is unique, with more than 7,000 years of history, and it also happens to be the setting for my recently released book, The Memory Cake.

You must have had some amazing adventures! Would you like to share a couple of them with readers?

Me and a quokka on Wadjemup/Rottnest Island, Australia.

Another unforgettable experience was visiting Wadjemup/Rottnest Island in Australia, where I had the chance to meet a quokka up close. That really was a dream come true, especially since the main character of my upcoming book, I AM NOT HAPPY!, is a misunderstood marsupial.

Argentinian flags in Buenos Aires

And then there’s Argentina, Messi’s homeland, where my husband and I honeymooned. I’d love to go back someday, hopefully to experience the joy of watching a fútbol match there. Each of these places has given me not only incredible memories but also inspiration for my writing.

What’s up next for you?

In October, my funny story about a mercurial quokka, I AM NOT HAPPY! (illustrated by Sydney Hanson) comes out with Simon & Schuster. I also have a humorous book scheduled for 2026, along with a few other exciting projects in the works. Plenty to look forward to!

Thank you so much, Caroline for stopping by and sharing so much about Messi’s Magic: How Lionel Messi Became the G.O.A.T.! I wish you all the best with this book! I’m sure kids are eager to read it—and your upcoming books as well!

National Day of Encouragement Activity

Watch Lionel Messi in Action

Be amazed by Leo Messi’s dazzling footwork in this YouTube video courtesy of Kyliann22Second!

You can purchase Messi’s Magic: How Lionel Messi Became the G.O.A.T from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop (discounted books and support for your local, independent bookstore)

September 10 – Get Ready for Halloween

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

With summer weather beginning to cool and fall on the horizon, kids’ thoughts naturally turn to the thrills and chills of Halloween! Whether your kids like spine-chillers, ghost stories, or stories that make them giggle, Halloween-themed books are a rib-tickling way to enjoy the season. Digging into today’s book is a perfect way to unearth your Halloween spirit!

The Zombees

Written by Justin Colón | Illustrated by Kaly Quarles

A witch-y trick-or-treater passing by the graveyard gate is startled by a “creepy buzzing sound” as “fuzzy legs” emerge from tombs “spewing funky, fetid fumes.” As these undead zombees rise into the sky and toward the town, the freaked-out trick-or-treater worries: “Are they hunting for a snack?/Do they like the taste of veins?/Have they come to EAT YOUR BRAINS?!”

She runs for safety into the library, where the librarian frantically phones for help. In their beekeeper’s suits and armed with smokers, the rescuers arrive . . .. But wait! Hacking through the noxious fog, the zombees declare “‘We mean no harm—we come in peace.'” In fact, since no one ever rings their bell on Halloween, the bees have come to town to deliver a very special treat.

After enjoying the festivities, it’s time for the bees to buzz back home. There, as they wipe away makeup with “Boo Gone” and take off their costumes, they relive all the fun they had. And though their “ghoulish work is done” for this year, they’re already planning for next Halloween!

Kids will be buzzing to hear Justin Colón’s bee-riff-ic mashup of zombie lore and the scary delights of Halloween again and again. Colón’s free-flowing rhymes are perfect for dramatic, spooky-voiced read alouds during the Halloween season and beyond.

Kaly Quarles concocts an atmospheric brew of foggy graveyards, ghostly creepers, and moldering zombees that will give kids giddy shivers. The clever costumes her trick-or-treaters wear as they fan out across town may inspire readers’ Halloween looks. Kids will also want to keep their eyes out for the visual puns, allusions to bees and honey, and the humorous shenanigans of the witch’s cat.

Shivery Halloween fun is in the bag with The Zombees, an inventive romp that will find plenty of life in any library collection.

Ages 4 – 8

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2025 | ISBN 978-1665922500

About the Author

Justin Colón is a professional actor and children’s book author. His previous picture books include The Quacken (illustrated by Pablo Pino) and Impossible Possums (illustrated by James Rey Sanchez). A lover of Halloween and zombie movies, Justin is also a backyard beekeeper. Though his bees sometimes frighten the neighbors, they’ve never tried to eat their brains—something Justin takes great pride in. He lives in New York, but you can visit him at JustinColonBooks.com.

About the Illustrator

Kaly Quarles studied interior design and worked in architecture before landing in illustration. Her love for historic shopfronts, Victoriana, and vintage ephemera runs deep. When Kaly isn’t drawing with a cat in her lap, she’s hunting for obscure antiques, watching or reading historical fiction, or hosting one-woman pastry-eating contests. Visit her on kalyquarles.com.

Get Ready for Halloween Activity

The Zombees Activity Pages

Kids will have lots of Halloween fun with The Zombees and seven spooktacular activity sheets—including coloring pages and puzzles—from Justin Colón and Kaly Quarles. Educators also will have a blast sharing this book with the fantastic Educator Guide that includes ELA, Math, Science, and Art Extension Activities! They’re all found on Justin Colón’s website!

The Zombees Activity Pages | The Zombees Educator Guide

You can purchase Zombees from these booksellers

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Picture Book Review

September 8 – International Literacy Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

In 1966 UNESCO (United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture) established International Literacy Day on this date to “actively mobilize the international community to promote literacy as an instrument to empower individuals, communities, and societies.” This year, the theme is “Promoting literacy in the digital era” and focuses on the way digitization has changed and is changing the way people learn, live, work and socialize—both positively and negatively.

Today’s observance also shines a light on the importance of engaging children in reading from their earliest ages. It is well-documented that children who are read to from birth develop better reading and communication skills, which leads to better across-the-board performance in school and beyond. While reading together, parents, adults, and caregivers and their children also develop strong bonds that last a lifetime. Today’s two books offer young readers the joy and excitement of reading in interactive formats that adults will love sharing with their kids. To learn more about International Literacy Day, visit unesco.org.

Thank you to Twirl Books and Barbara Fisch at Blue Slip Media for send me copies of these books for review!

Animals Everywhere: A Lift, Look, and Find Book

Written by Stéphanie Babin

Illustrated by Sophie Ledesma, Robert Barborini, Marie Caudry, Jessica Das, Marie Kyprianou, and Charlotte Roederer

Take your little ones on an around-the-world tour to six diverse environments in the enchanting Animals Everywhere, a vibrant and fun seek-and-find book that includes flaps for even more surprising discovery. Habitats featured are a rural countryside, a polar region, a forest in autumn, a farm, the rainforest, and a wildlife-welcoming backyard. Each of these habitats are presented with either one or two gatefold pages that open to reveal a panoramic view of beauty and delightful details that invite children to find either 12 or 16 creatures.

Running along the bottom of each page spread, a banner includes a short, easy-to-understand description of the environment as well as small circles containing images of the creatures to be found and their name. To help the youngest readers, each creature is depicted in the exact way and orientation as in the large picture.

This well-conceived book goes far beyond a simple search-and-find concept. Each spread is loaded with action and interactions, animals, people, vegetation, vehicles, objects, and weather events for kids and adults to talk about, point out, and use to create their own seek-and-find fun. These fully realized landscapes make for exciting and challenging searches that kids can enjoy again and again and that will engage children over a wide age range.

Stéphanie Babin’s charming text is enthusiastic and evocative as she welcomes young readers to each habitat and shares a sprinkling of facts just right for little learners. These can lead to discussions about pollinators, camouflage, where we get our food, and even to trips to the backyard or nearby park to search for creatures and plants there.

Each environment is gorgeously illustrated by a different artist, giving the book the feel of walking through an art museum and encountering a stimulating variety of styles. Kids will be transfixed with the bright colors, adorable animals, and all there is to see and do.

Sure to quickly become any young child’s story time favorite, Animals Everywhere: A Lift, Look, and Find Book is a must for home bookshelves and library collections. The book would also make a much-appreciated gift.

Ages 2 – 4+

Twirl, 2025 | ISBN 979-1036381454

About the Author

Stéphanie Babin is an author of books for young children, particularly nonfiction and interactive titles. She lives in Paris, France.

You can purchase Animals Everywhere: A Lift, Look, and Find Book from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

My Animal Sounds (Baby Basics™)

By Xavier Deneux

Babies love books! Babies love animals! How can you combine these two favorites in one fun activity? With the interactive board book My Animal Sounds! Created for the youngest learners, My Animal Sounds combines high-contrast illustrations of ten adorable animals with sound chips that bring the pages to life. High-contrast books engage babies from birth and as their vision develops during their first year by featuring bold, black-and-white images that are easier for them to focus on and see clearly.

Spots of color add cheery notes to each of Xavier Deneux’s charming scenes, as a curious cat roams a rooftop, a bird stops by on an early spring day, a rabbit uncovers a carrot, and a sheep and dog meet on a twilit evening, among other sweet images. And who can resist the endearing giggles that will bubble up from hearing the frog croak and chirp, the rabbit chitter and crunch, and the pig snuffle and snort. Kids will continue to enjoy this book well into toddlerhood as well.

Cuddling with your baby or toddler and My Animal Sounds will become a favorite way to spend quality time together. The book makes a perfect take-along for parents, grandparents, and caregivers, a smart choice for any daycare setting, and a fun addition to a babysitter’s or nanny’s pack. The book would also be terrific new-baby gift.

Ages Baby – 3

Twirl, 2025 | ISBN 979-1036382086

About the Author/Illustrator

Xavier Deneux‘s chic, bold style and insightful grasp of what makes younger children think, connect, and smile has resulted in more than 100 critically lauded books. After graduating from ESAG (École Supérieure d’art graphique) Penninghen, he worked in advertising before becoming a full-time children’s book illustrator. He is the creator of the TouchThinkLearn series. He lives in Paris, France.

You can purchase My Animal Sounds (Baby Basics™) from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

September 4 – National Wildlife Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

National Wildlife Day was established in 2005 by author and pet lifestyle expert Colleen Paige to promote awareness of endangered species as well as preservation and conservation efforts around the world. Globally, there is increased pressure on many animals due to pollution, habitat destruction, and other environmental issues. This day (as well as February 22, in honor of renowned conservationist Steve Irwin) encourages people to learn more about the species in their area, work toward creating hospitable habitats in their own yard or community, and implement environment-friendly choices in their homes. One of the animals featured in today’s book is the pangolin, a species whose members range in endangered status from vulnerable to critically endangered.

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

Who Would Win? Porcupine vs. Pangolin

Written by Jerry Pallotta | Illustrated by Rob Bolster

Welcome to Jerry Pallotta’s and Rob Bolster’s nocturnal showdown in the latest addition to the Who Would Win? series! On the left hand page: a porcupine; on the right: a pangolin. To help readers decide which animal would emerge victorious in a fight, Pallotta provides side-by-side dossiers that reveal pertinent facts about porcupines’ and pangolins’ bodies, skills, and defenses.

Examining these profiles, kids learn that a porcupine is “a mammal with sharp, pointed quills . . . that looks like a spiky fur ball.” They also get to know the pangolin, a mammal that resembles a reptile due to its scales that make it look like a “walking pine cone.” Pallotta—his text supported with photographs and Bolster’s realistic illustrations—presents clear and snappy descriptions of the competitor’s quills vs. scales, fur vs. hair, faces and feet, weapons and defenses, and the scientific group each animal belongs to.

The pages are also sprinkled with kid-pleasing visual elements that call out a wide range of facts, from “ouch facts” about quills to “hair facts” about naked mole rats and elephants to “name facts” that reveal alternate monikers for each contestant. There’s humor here too, and even a poem about a pangolin! Pallotta is also tuned into children’s boundless curiosity, revealing the various types of porcupines and pangolins; a lineup of animals with spikes as well as those that can roll into a ball like the pangolin; and a fascinating look at how other animals would fare against these two warriors.

As the sun sets, however, it’s time for the main attraction as the porcupine, searching for dinner, comes upon the pangolin slurping ants from a log. It’s time to RUMBLE! Who will win?

If you’re a parent, librarian, teacher, or caregiver with a child or children who are familiar with the Who Will Win? series, then you know what a phenomenon these books are. Who Will Win? Porcupine vs. Pangolin is a worthy entrant into the field, providing educational and entertaining depth to the scientific study of these two unusual mammals. Children come away from reading (and excitedly rereading) this book not only with knowledge about porcupines and pangolins, but with bits about 21 other animals as well, making it an energizing spark for expanded learning.

Information-packed and high-interest, Who Will Win? Porcupine vs. Pangolin will appeal to emergent and independent readers and makes a perfect read aloud for adults to share with their animal-loving kids. This book, as well as the rest of the series, is a must for any library collection and highly recommended for home bookshelves.

Ages 6 – 8

Scholastic, 2025 | ISBN 978-1339000961

About the Author

Jerry Pallotta is an award-winning author of children’s books, including What I Saw in the Teachers’ Lounge, Dinosaur Christmas, Who Will Guide My Sleigh Tonight?, Apple Fractions, and The Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Multiplication Book. His combination of interesting facts, detailed research, humor, and realistic illustrations has mesmerized countless children across the United States. You can visit him at jerrypallotta.com.

About the Illustrator

Rob Bolster is both a fine artist and a professional illustrator. His work has appeared in newspaper and magazine advertisements, and he has illustrated many books for young readers, including the bestselling Who Would Win? series. Rob lives and works near Boston, Massachusetts.

National Wildlife Day Activity

Pangolin and Porcupine Coloring Pages

Celebrate the diversity of wildlife with these coloring pages of a pangolin and her pup and a porcupine!

Pangolin and Pup (by Rachel L Shaw) | Porcupine (courtesy of Karen Watson of The Graphics Fairy)

You can purchase Who Would Win? Porcupine vs. Pangolin from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop (discounted books and support for your local independent bookstore)

Picture Book Review

August 29 – Happiness Happens Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Happiness Happens Month reminds us that happiness doesn’t have to be something we plan for or spend money on. In fact paying attention to those little moments during each day, going on spontaneous outings with friends or family, or taking time to do a favorite activity may be all you need to feel happier every day! With summer coming to a close and school starting again, it’s a great time to reflect on the fun you’ve had over the past months and all the memories that are about to be made as another year of activities, education, new friendships, and excitement unfolds. Happiness really does come to you if you look for it and let it happen!

An Abundance of Light: a Story of Matisse in Morocco

By Lauren Stringer

As Paris endured a cold and rainy season, Henri Matisse suffered. How could he paint light and colors when he was surrounded by gray? His friend Albert Marquet suggested he visit Tangier, Morocco, “where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea.” There, he said, “the sunlight was abundant!” Henri packed up all of his supplies and made the trip. But it seemed Henri had brought the rainy weather with him. He tried to paint colorful irises and a basket of oranges and lemons, but he still felt gloomy and trapped.

Then one night while Henri slept, the rain stopped. In the morning he woke to ” . . . an abundance of light. A luminous light. A dazzling light.” Henri took his sketchbook and hurried into town, where color shimmered from the pink mosque to the vibrant Grand Socco market to the Casbah gateway to old Medina. Everywhere he looked he saw the vividness of life. Brightly patterned rugs and painted pottery reminded him of the art his grandparents and mother created in their drab town. “Henri felt a glimmer in the cloudy and dark.”

Henri found a large garden to paint in and began painting the lavender branches, green acanthus, blue periwinkles and “pink-tomato sky” he saw. Despite his “bright and bold” colors, he still felt something cloudy and dark. Then one day, following the music of fiddles, flutes, and drums that filled the air. Henri found a cafe, “where men in long robes gazed at goldfish in round bowls.” Henri was mesmerized by the reds and golds of the fish as well.

When Henri left the cafe, “he saw an abundance of shadows.” In fact, the dark shadows accentuated the light. Finally, he understood that light and color and dark could work together. In his new paintings he surrounded his colorful subjects with colorful shadows. He interpreted light itself into brilliant color. And in a painting completed from his hotel window, Henri painted shadows of such a dark blue that he realized “he could paint light and color, even in the dark.” At home when Henri displayed his paintings in a gallery in Paris, they were a sensation. Now, whenever the skies turned gloomy and rainy, Henri remembered the abundance of light in Morocco and painted.

Back matter includes a short biography about Henri Matisse’s childhood, a discussion of Matisse and his time in Tangier, and a note from the Lauren Stringer about her trip to Tangier that inspired her story. She also includes an illustrated glossary of terms found in the book.

Celebrated author, picture book illustrator, and painter Lauren Stringer immerses young children in a particular time in Henri Matisse’s life and reveals how he overcame obstacles to create some of this best-known paintings. His struggles and search for enlightenment are simply and honestly portrayed, lending to his eureka moment deep joy and surprise. The enthusiastic reception for these paintings, Matisse’s newly discovered ability to find light and color even during dark days, and the lessons his artistic parents demonstrated are all reminders that light shines from within.

Stringer’s striking pastel, charcoal, gouache, and digital media illustrations entice readers to join Henri Matisse on his journeys both internal and artistic. Her realistic depictions of Matisse’s circle of famous friends, and the sights of Tangier will entice readers to learn more. As Henri breaks out of his artist’s block, Stringer portrays him with a sprightliness of step, a perceptive eye, and a deft touch with the brush. Readers will be especially fascinated by the side-by-side models and paintings that reveal how Matisse transposed reality to canvas.

An Abundance of Light is a must addition to school and public libraries collections and is highly recommended for art-loving and artistic children. The book would also make an impactful resource for art classrooms and creative projects.

Ages 4 – 8

Beach Lane Books, 2025 | ISBN 978-1534493629

About the Author/Illustrator

Lauren Stringer has illustrated many celebrated picture books, including Deer Dancer by Mary Lyn Ray; The Princess and Her Panther by Wendy Orr; Scarecrow and Snow, both written by Cynthia Rylant; as well as her own Winter Is the Warmest Season, When Stravinsky Met Nijinsky, The Dark Was Done, and An Abundance of Light. She lives with her family in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Visit her at LaurenStringer.com.

Happiness Happens Month Activity

CPB - Happiness typography

Happiness Is… Game

Happiness is all around you! Grab one or more friends to play a game that reveals what things make you happy.

Like the “Geography” game: the first player names something that makes them happy, the next player must think of something that starts with the last letter of the word the previous player said. The game continues with each player continuing the pattern. Players drop out as they cannot think of a word. The last player left is the winner.

You can purchase An Abundance of Light from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop (discounted books and support for your local independent bookstore)

Picture Book Review

August 28 – International Read Comics in Public Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

International Read Comics in Public Day was established in 2010 by comic lovers Brian Heater and Sarah Morean, who also created the comic blog “The Daily Cross Hatch.” They chose August 28th, Jack Kirby’s birthday, for this holiday that celebrates the various comic genres and styles. Kirby, born in 1917, was an American comic book artist, writer, and editor who is widely heralded as one of the medium’s most prolific and innovative creators. He co-created many iconic characters for Marvel, including the Incredible Hulk, Captain America, the Fantastic Four, Iron Man, the Black Panther, and Thor. To celebrate today, grab your favorite comics and head outside to enjoy the summer day and see what your favorite characters are up to.

Thank you to Harry N. Abrams for sending me a copy of this book for review.

All the Hulk Feels

By Dan Santat

It’s been a maddening day for Bruce Banner. First “The Leader” requests Bruce’s least favorite song be played on the radio during his morning commute. Then, during lunch at the Luvbürger, he finds a pickle on his sandwich when he clearly asked for No Pickles. Could Leader be behind that too? Each of these infractions makes Doctor Banner so angry that Hulk appears. And Hulk is not happy (although all the kids who witness these transformations are thrilled). At the Luvbürger, a boy gives Hulk a crayon with this advice: “Coloring makes me feel better.”

Hulk takes it to heart and scribbles on a piece of paper. Feeling calmer, he stuffs the paper into his pants pocket and continues eating his lunch. Two minutes later, Bruce reemerges only to taste, and immediately “PTOO!” another pickle. Aware now of the paper in his pocket, he takes it out and reads the missive from Hulk. Hulk proclaims “Burger GOOD!” There are pictures of a burger surrounded by hearts and of Bruce blowing his top. Hulk has written, “Dear Bruce, Hulk think you mad for wrong reasons.” He closes with the picture of a pickle and the words “no mad at pickle.” Bruce Banner becomes enraged.

He takes up the crayon, answers Hulk’s letter, and stuffs it into his pocket just before—you guessed it—Hulk appears once more. He grabs the letter and reads. “Dear Hulk, I know we have never met, but we share the same body. Please don’t tell me how to feel. I have real feelings and I can feel them when I want.” Letters fly back and forth as Hulk and Bruce try to make their case. Hulk snaps the crayon in two. Meanwhile, Leader is laughing his head off because his plan to rule the world is working perfectly. While Bruce and Hulk are distracted, Leader frees all the super villains from prison and lets them loose on the city.

Seeing the broken crayon, Bruce realizes his words have consequences, and he writes an apology. In his follow up, Hulk is eloquent in his view that Bruce is lucky because he “feel all feel” while Hulk can “only feel mad” but wishes he could “feel other feel” like laughter, love, and even crying. They come to an understanding: “Hulk okay be mad if smash bad guy!”

Turns out this will work as at this very moment a van is flipping through the air toward Bruce Banner and a tyke on a trike. In the blink of an eye, Hulk saves the day and cleans up Leader’s mess.

Humorous and heartfelt, Dan Santat’s foray into the Marvel Universe takes readers on an alternating transformative learning experience that will resonate with kids—and adults—whose emotions can sometimes become overwhelming and lead to misplaced anger. Bruce’s dismissive attitude toward Hulk’s advice and Hulk’s self-awareness weaves a poignant thread throughout the story while demonstrating to readers that the effects of one person’s anger are felt by many others. As Bruce Banner and Hulk settle their argument, kids see the benefits of talking things out, listening to others, and empathy.

Santat’s dynamic graphic panels are packed with action that will excite kids as Bruce Banner transforms into Hulk and back leaving Hulk confused as to what all the fuss is about. Kids will enjoy picking out Marvel allusions, following Bruce’s ever-changing shirts following his Hulk phases, and catching Leader in his nefarious plots from page to page.

Younger children and adults will have a blast sharing All the Hulk Feels, while emerging and independent readers will find the large text and well-attributed dialog bubbles easy to follow. This fun and perceptive book will easily become a favorite (especially among Marvel fans) on home bookshelves and for library collections.

Ages 4 – 8

Harry N. Abrams/Abrams Fanfare, 2025 | ISBN 978-1419776137

About the Author/Illustrator

Dan Santat is the Caldecott Medal–winning and New York Times–bestselling author and illustrator of All the Hulk Feels, The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend, and the road trip/time travel adventure Are We There Yet? His artwork is also featured in numerous picture books, chapter books, and middle-grade novels, including Dav Pilkey’s Ricky Ricotta series. Dan lives in Southern California with his wife, two kids, and many, many pets. Join him on Instagram.

International Read Comics in Public Day Activity

Create Your Own Story

It’s so much fun to let your imagination roar! Use these printable comic style pages to create a story as unique as you are!

Comic Panels with Colorful Borders Page 1 | Page 2

Comic Panels with Black and White Borders Page 1 | Page 2

You can purchase All the Hulk Feels from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop (discounted books and support for your local independent bookstore)

Picture Book Review

August 26 – National Dog Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

In 2004 Pet and Family Lifestyle Expert and Animal Advocate Colleen Paige established National Dog Day to remind people – especially those who may be looking for a new pet – of all the dogs in shelters that need forever homes. The day also celebrates dogs of all breeds and honors the work of these faithful friends, whether they are family pets or specially trained as service dogs, police dogs, or search-and-rescue dogs. If you’re thinking of adding a new family member of the furry kind, or if you’d just like to make a difference to animals in shelter care, call or visit your local humane society, other shelter, or rescue organization.

Hello Dog / Hello Human (Flip Book): Two Stories in One!

Written by Sara Levine | Illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman

With their curly hair or sleek coats, sweet faces, and eager natures, dogs are natural kid magnets. But that doesn’t mean they’re always ready to be pet or played with. In Hello Dog / Hello Human, Sara Levine cleverly teaches children and adults how to recognize the traits of a receptive dog and how exactly to approach and engage with a dog you haven’t met yet.

It’s easy enough to ask a dog’s human for permission to pet their dog, but getting the dog’s permission can be a bit trickier. Behind the Hello Dog cover, Levine shows kids how to read a dog’s body language, an important skill as “dogs speak with their bodies.” Once a child has determined that the dog isn’t too busy, too shy, or too distracted, Levine goes on to reveal the human behaviors dogs consider rude and the ones they find to be polite. If a person gets a signal that their initial overtures are accepted, only then should they put out their hand to pet that furry coat.

But turn-about is fair play, and by just flipping the book over, that’s what readers find! Open the Hello Human cover, and dogs get a primer on meeting kids (with a dollop of humor, readers may also interpret these tips as courteous ways for meeting new people as well). So how does today’s discerning dog go about choosing the right human to make friends with? Well, they can read the body language. Turns out, people say a lot with their gestures and expressions too. They also use words, and it benefits both dog and human if they’re on the same page with some simple terms, especially “Sit.” While some canines may find it incredible, people tend to prefer a quiet, stationary, even non-slobbery greeting. Levine expands on these and other steps and shows what kind of welcome leads to that scratch behind the ears that, for any pup, is so rewarding.

Working perfectly in synch, author and veterinarian Sara Levine and illustrator Suzanne Kaufman have created a clever book that children and adults will find helpful whether they’re adopting a new dog or learning how to interact with dogs they meet at friends’ homes or while out in the park or neighborhood.

Levine’s straightforward and easy-to-understand steps are punctuated by Kaufman’s humorous depictions of expressive dogs of various breeds engaging in natural, madcap doggy behavior. These energetic pups appear in both stories along with a sweet child and an adorable, well-mannered pooch who’s ready to make a friend. A comical subplot involving a squirrel chase also ties the two sections together.

Educational and entertaining, Hello Dog / Hello Human is an exciting, multi-interest nonfiction story for home bookshelves that kids will want to hear often and even chime in on. The text is especially welcoming to new and emerging readers. Librarians will love displaying the book and recommending it to a wide range of patrons.

Ages 4 – 8

Roaring Brook Press, 2025 | ISBN 978-1250797025

About the Author

Sara Levine is an award-winning picture book author, veterinarian, and science educator. Her books which include Bone by Bone, Tooth by Tooth, Flower Talk, Sensitive, and The Animals Would Not Sleep! have received the AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize, Bank Street College Best Book of the Year, Beehive Book Award, Cook Prize, and the Mathical Book Prize. She loves doing school and library programs. Visit her at saralevinebooks.com.

About the Illustrator

Suzanne Kaufman is the illustrator of Samanthasaurus Rex, written by B. B. Mandell; Naughty Claudine Christmas, written by Patrick Jennings; 100 Bugs!, written by Kate Narita; and the author and illustrator of I Love Monkey and It’s Confiscated. She lives in Seattle with her family. Visit her at suzannekaufman.com.

National Dog Day Activity

Find a Friend Matching Puzzle

Dogs and their humans often have personalities or even their appearance in common. Can you match up these sweet pups with their new best friend in this Find a Friend Matching Puzzle?

Find a Friend Matching Puzzle with Light Green Border | Find a Friend Matching Puzzle with No Border

You can purchase Hello Dog / Hello Human from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop (discounted books and support for your local independent bookstore)

Picture Book Review

About the Holiday

Messi’s Magic: How Lionel Messi Became the G.O.A.T

Written by Caroline L. Perry | Illustrated by Luciano Lozano

Meet Caroline L. Perry

National Day of Encouragement Activity

Watch Lionel Messi in Action

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About the Holiday

The Zombees

Written by Justin Colón | Illustrated by Kaly Quarles

Get Ready for Halloween Activity

The Zombees Activity Pages

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About the Holiday

Animals Everywhere: A Lift, Look, and Find Book

Written by Stéphanie Babin

Illustrated by Sophie Ledesma, Robert Barborini, Marie Caudry, Jessica Das, Marie Kyprianou, and Charlotte Roederer

My Animal Sounds (Baby Basics™)

By Xavier Deneux

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About the Holiday

Who Would Win? Porcupine vs. Pangolin

Written by Jerry Pallotta | Illustrated by Rob Bolster

National Wildlife Day Activity

Pangolin and Porcupine Coloring Pages

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About the Holiday

An Abundance of Light: a Story of Matisse in Morocco

By Lauren Stringer

Happiness Happens Month Activity

Happiness Is… Game

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About the Holiday

All the Hulk Feels

By Dan Santat

International Read Comics in Public Day Activity

Create Your Own Story

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About the Holiday

Hello Dog / Hello Human (Flip Book): Two Stories in One!

Written by Sara Levine | Illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman

National Dog Day Activity

Find a Friend Matching Puzzle

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