October 29 – Bat Appreciation Week & Month

About the Holiday

It makes sense that October—with its focus on all things spooky and nocturnal—hosts Bat Appreciation Week and Bat Appreciation Month. We don’t celebrate bats this month just because they fit Halloween themes, though. Bats are cool every day of the year! Why? Scientists estimate there are 1,300 species of bats, most of which are beneficial for the areas where they live. Some bats are awesome at keeping the insect population under control. Fruit bats help distribute seeds, and other bats eat pollen, helping to pollinate foods, including bananas, guava, and agave. This month learn more about these fascinating creatures and enjoy a newest adventure of Bitsy Bat in this third book in the series!

Thank you to Beach Lane for sending me this book for review!

Bitsy Bat, Snow Star (The Bitsy Bat Series)

By Kaz Windness

Bitsy Bat’s family woke up to an unusual surprise. Winter snow had come early—even before she, mama, papa, and baby bat could begin hibernating. Mama took this as a sign that the long winter snooze should begin, but Bitsy wanted to go to school. When Bitsy’s friends, Benjamin and Winnie, stopped by to pick her up (even bringing her a “cute snow outfit”), Mama relented.

At school, to celebrate the early snow, Bitsy’s teacher Mr. Nibbles announced that instead of lessons, they’d “all enjoy the snow together.” Everyone wanted to make snow angels, and Bitsy was eager to learn how. But after she plopped into the snow and moved her wings up and down, she shivered and hoped the other activities would be more fun. But Bitsy didn’t enjoy sledding, making a snowman, or the snowball fight afterwards, either. She didn’t like being wet and cold. In fact, Bitsy decided she didn’t like snow at all. As he flew back to the classroom, she worried that she’d lose her friends if they found out.

Noticing how miserable Bitsy seemed, Mr. Nibbles took her to the reading nook to warm up. There, she found Mo and Enzo. When Bitsy asked if they didn’t like snow either, they both said they loved the snow. Bitsy was confused. Then she discovered that Mo and Enzo liked watching the snow while being warm and cozy and reading inside. She understood then that it was okay to like different things, and when Mr. Nibbles offered hot chocolate, she politely declined while asking for a bugmallow treat instead.

When the snow started falling, Bitsy had the idea to make paper snowflakes, and when the rest of the class came inside, they joined in too. When Mr. Nibbles suggested each student write their favorite snow activity on their flake, Bitsy bravely admitted that she hadn’t liked any of the outdoor activities, and was assured that that was okay. Back home, Bitsy hung her paper snowflakes then prepared with her family for their long winter hibernation.

Back matter includes a detailed discussion about autism that defines and explains important terms as well as an Author’s Note by Kaz Windness, who is herself autistic.

It’s easy to see why Kas Windness’s Bitsy Bat series—including Bitsy Bat, School Star and Bitsy Bat, Team Star—is such a beloved part of any child’s library. Told from an autistic perspective, the stories celebrate each student’s differences, and welcome readers as a friend. In Bitsy Bat, Snow Star, Bitsy steps out of her comfort zone to try a new experience. Windness invites children along to witness Bitsy proudly becoming a “snow bat” in winter clothing but also discovering that her sensory differences make the outdoor activities uncomfortable. As Bitsy’s school day progresses, Windness incorporates responses such as stimming, fawning, and autistic masking into the story.

Once inside, Bitsy demonstrates her creativity and imagination by making paper snowflakes as an alternative to real snow. Through Enzo’s, Mo’s, and Bitsy’s preference to watch the snow from the window, Windness also emphasizes that people can enjoy the same activities in different ways. Readers will find Bitsy’s bravery, worries, disappointments, and empathy relatable and her undimmable spirit inspiring.

Windness’s dialogue-rich storytelling is accompanied by her adorable and expressive illustrations that envelope readers in Bitsy’s companionable classroom, where students accept and support each other and their teacher is understanding. Other students use a wheelchair (and snow wheelchair for sledding), noise-reducing headphones, light-filtering glasses, a communication tablet, and glasses.

Whether you’re already a fan of Bitsy Bat or just getting to know her, Bitsy Bat, Snow Star would be a favorite read aloud on any home bookshelf. The book is a must for any public and school library.

Ages 4 – 8

Beach Lane, 2026 | ISBN 978-1665963664

About the Author

Kaz Windness is the author-illustrator of picture books Swim, Jim!; Bitsy Bat, School Star; Bitsy Bat, Team Star; and Bitsy Bat, Snow Star. She created the Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Level 1 Ready-to-Read Graphics book Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends, and its sequel, Worm and Butterfly Are Friends, Always; the Star Chapter Book Time Traveling Chickens series; and the Level 1 Ready-to-Reads Cat vs. Vac; Go! Go! Dino!; Squid in Pants; and Speeder Spider. Kaz is also the illustrator of Ollie, the Acorn, and the Mighty Idea by Andrew Hacket and the author of When You Love a Book, illustrated by Heather Brockman Lee. Kaz lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband, two children, and Boston terrier. Visit her at WindnessBooks.com.

National Bat Awareness Week and Month Activity

Bitsy Bat Series Media Kit

You can find a wide range of materials for the Bitsy Bat Series for educators, parents, and other caregivers, from lesson plans to animated read-alouds, to detailed hands-on activities and instructions in Kaz Windness’s Bitsy Bat Media Kit on her website.

You can purchase Bitsy Bat, Snow Star from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

September 15 – Read a New Book Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

The beginning of a new school year is a terrific time to celebrate Read a New Book Month! Whether your child’s reading tastes have broadened, their reading level has changed, or they’ve discovered new and fascinating topics to explore over the summer months, there are new books just waiting for them! Whether the books are recently published—like today’s book—or just new to your child, there are countless fictional stories and nonfiction books ready to inspire, thrill, and entertain your young reader. This month visit your local bookstore and library and stock up on books for your kids and everyone in the family!

Thank you to Scholastic for sending me this book for review!

Tiger Terror (Max Beast #2)

By Maddy Mara

Ever since Max’s parents left everything behind to embrace van life, Max has already gained a new perspective—literally! On his family’s last stop to explore a sunken yacht, Max tangled with another kid named Hector. He ended up with Hector’s magic amulet that gave him the power to turn into a great white shark and stop a group of criminals. Now, while taking a hike on a mountain path that passes a native animal sanctuary as well as billionaire Benson Leech’s ranch—where it’s reported he keeps illegal animals—Max spies Hector among the group. He knows that he needs to protect the amulet from Hector’s nefarious plans and heads off on his own.

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Khadijah Khatib. Published by Scholastic copyright © 2026.

The path Max takes leads him directly to a cave where he’s jumped by a tiger. As he’s trying to protect himself, Max feels the amulet “sinking into his skin” while the “amulet’s infinity symbol glowed out of his chest.” In moments, Max had transformed into a tiger! He was still becoming comfortable in his new stripy skin and wondering how he could protect his parents and the other hikers from the rogue tiger when a pack of wolves surrounded him. After a nip in the leg, Max chases the wolves away then finds the dead elk they had hunted.

When Max decides to take the elk to the tiger as a peace offering, he discovers that the tiger has two cubs to feed. Hungry himself, Max bounds away, soon discovering Benson Leech’s ranch and overhearing his plans to sell the tiger Lena’s, two cubs—even if it means shooting Lena to recapture them. Max is just formulating a plan to tell Lena when Hector appears, having followed him all along.

Only interested in making money, Hector betrays Max and Lena, and the four tigers are caged, awaiting the buyer who’s expected in only 30 minutes. Will Max be able to free them and escape to safety? Will Lena understand and trust him? And what about Hector—what choice will Max make when his adversary needs help? The surprise twists and heart-pounding action will keep readers flipping the pages until the compelling ending.

Thrills, peril, and life-altering decisions lurk around every corner in Maddy Mara’s second Max Beast book. Tiger Terror is an exhilarating page-turner that grabs both eager and reluctant readers and holds them enthralled with the combination of a likable protagonist, a compelling adventure, and relatable humor. Max is a quick-thinking, conscientious character that young readers will identify with and cheer on through every obstacle and encounter with Hector. The story is also punctuated with riveting black-and-white illustrations by Khadijah Khatib that place readers in the midst of the action at key moments.

An electrifying follow up to Sharknado Warning (Max Beast #1), Tiger Terror promises to be a favorite addition to home and library collections. Watch for Raptor Alert (Max Beast #3) coming in February.

Ages 7 – 10

Scholastic, 2026 | ISBN 979-8225002787

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. Visit them at maddymara.com.

Read a New Book Month Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-book-bag-craft

Books to Love, Books to Read Book Bag

True book lovers can’t go anywhere without a book (or two or three) to read along the way. With this easy craft you can turn a cloth bag into a kid-size book bag perfect for carrying those new books you get this month!

Supplies

Printable Templates: Books to Read Template | Books to Love Template
Small cloth bag, available from craft or sewing stores—Recyclable Idea: I used the bag that sheet sets come in.
Cloth trim or strong ribbon, available from craft or sewing stores—Recyclable Idea: I used the cloth handles from upcycled grocery hopping bags.
Scraps of different colored and patterned cloth. Or use quilting squares, available at craft and sewing stores
Pen or pencil for tracing letters onto cloth
Scissors
Fabric glue
Thread (optional)
Needle (optional)

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-books-bag-craft

Directions

Print the sayings and cut out the letters
Trace letters onto different kinds of cloth
Cut out cloth letters
Iron cloth bag if necessary
Attach words “Books to Read” to one side of bag with fabric glue
Attach words “Books to Love” to other side of bag with fabric glue
Cut cloth trim or ribbon to desired length to create handles
Glue (or sew) handles onto the inside edge of bag

You can purchase Tiger Terror (Max Beast #2) from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

September 4 – National Wildlife Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

In 2005 animal behaviorist and philanthropist Colleen Paige established National Wildlife Day to promote an awareness of the importance of conservation of animals, habitats, and the environment worldwide as well as to acknowledge the education and conservation work of zoos and animal sanctuaries. To honor the memory and birthday of Steve Irwin, National Wildlife Day is also celebrated on February 2. To celebrate today’s holiday, take time to learn about what you can do to help protect the environment.

Thanks to Beach Lane Books for sending me this book for review!

We Are the Keystones: Animals That Hold Habitats Together

Written by Katy S. Duffield | Illustrated by Hannah Salyer

Just as you and your family might be lost without your neighborhood grocery store, park, or library, Katy S. Duffield introduces eleven “nature-hoods” and a keystone species that keeps each thriving “. . . just by doing what they do. / They make a difference when they roam, / or when they eat or build a home.”

Duffield begins each scintillating profile with a factually descriptive, rhyming poem that describes the keystone species’ behavior and exactly how it affects the area in which it lives. On the opposite side of each two-page spread, Duffield expands on her informative verse with a short paragraph of clear and illuminating prose. Here, she calls out specific creatures who benefit from the keystone’s influence as well as how, for example, the keystone’s felling trees, culling herds, digging, and even pooping profoundly and positively impact ecosystems around the world.

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Hannah Sayler. Text copyright © 2026 by Katy S. Duffield. Published by Beach Lane Books copyright © 2026.

Children meet the beaver, whose dams create pond and wetland homes for a multitude of living things and also “filter and clean the water, producing a healthy environment for all the creatures that live there.” The humble black-tailed prairie dog, likewise, is a hero of grasslands, whose tunneling provides crucial aeration that “helps new vegetation grow” while offering small reptiles and animals protective homes.

Readers are also prompted to look to the sky to get to know a tiny South American bird that uses its unique features to ensure all flowers are pollinated. They are then plunged into the sea to meet a fish, a marine mammal, and a tiger shark, who unapologetically affirms: “With scanning eyes, we glide and seek. / We hunt the sick, the dead, the weak. / We’re scavengers—that’s what we do. / It sounds disgusting, yet it’s true.” And what does eating these tasty snacks accomplish? Duffield explains that “. . . [it] can keep disease from spreading to healthy marine life,” among other benefits. Duffield also highlights two other mammals, a fierce reptile, and an unusual bird before rounding out her book, Duffield with the gentle giants that help the savanna support its vegetation and wildlife with a simple (for them) act that lets the sun shine through.

Katy S. Duffield’s immersive storytelling will spark a fascination in children for these sometimes under-appreciated animals that are in fact critical to the world’s ecosystems. Her inclusion of poetic and prose descriptions of each creature will appeal to a wide range of readers and give educators an exciting resource for engaging all students.

In her arresting gouache paintings, Hannah Salyer transports readers to misty, sun-drenched, and mysterious “nature-hoods” to witness keystone species in action. A Black-tailed prairie dog surveys its terrain, teeming with buffalo and pronghorn deer as children spy the creatures taking advantage of the “hotel” below ground. A grizzly bear snaps its sharp teeth to catch a salmon in flight, and a southern cassowary stretches its beak to swallow whole a “tennis-ball-size seed.” Sayler unveils the colors, textures, and diversity of each ecosystem, giving readers much to digest and learn from. A final clever two-page spread presents a web of connected animal silhouettes that will send kids back through the pages to find them in their natural habitat.

A standout nature and science nonfiction picture book, both textually and visually, We Are the Keystones: Animals That Hold Habitats Together will appeal to children of varying learning styles. The book is a must for all library collections and would be a favorite for classroom and home bookshelves as well.

Ages 4 – 8

Beach Lane Books, 2026 | ISBN 978-1665946896

About the Author

Katy S. Duffield is the author of more than twenty-five books for children, including the celebrated Crossings: Extraordinary Structures for Extraordinary Animals, which was an ALA/ALSC Notable Book, a Bank Street Best Book of the Year, and the recipient of the Eureka! Excellence in Nonfiction Gold Award. She lives in Florida with her husband and her wild and crazy Australian Shepherd. For more information about Katy, please visit her website at KatyDuffield.com.

About the Illustrator

Hannah Salyer received her BFA in illustration and communication design, with a minor in environmental studies, from Pratt Institute. She resides in Brooklyn, New York, where she writes and illustrates picture books, including her own Packs: Strength in Numbers and Ancestory: The Mystery and Majesty of Ancient Cave Art, as well as This Wolf Was Different by Katie Slivensky. She also teaches art classes for young kids and illustration classes for undergrad students at Parsons School of Design. Visit her at HannahSalyer.com.

National Wildlife Day Activity

Wonderful Wildlife Board Game

Fascinating animals are found in every part of the world. Play this fun printable Wonderful Wildlife Board Game to match each animal to the area where it lives.

Supplies

Printable Global Wildlife Map, one map for each player
Printable Wildlife Tokens, one set for each player
Printable Dice-Rolling Guide for Animal Tokens
8-Sided Die or Printable 8-Sided Die
Colored pencils, crayons, or markers (optional)

Directions

Print a Global Wildlife Map for each player
Print one set of 16 Wildlife Tokens for each player
Print two copies of the 8-sided die, fold, and tape together
If you would like, color the map and tokens
Choose a player to go first
Each player rolls both dice and places an animal on their map according to these corresponding sums of the dice below
The first player to fill their map is the winner!

You can purchase We Are the Keystones: Animals That Hold Habitats Together from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

August 10 – Get Ready for Kindergarten Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Starting Kindergarten is a major milestone in any child’s life and ushers in exciting growth in knowledge, friendships, and experiences. But the first step is getting to know their classmates, teachers, school staff, and bus drivers. And the first step to that is saying hello! Today’s book shares some fun insight on this important skill that ‘s unique to each child!

Thanks to Nosy Crow for sending me a copy of this book for review!

Say Hello Like an Armadillo: And Other Animal Greetings from Around the World

Written by Zewlan Moor | Illustrated by Karen Obuhanych

Walking into a room full of new people to meet can be a bit intimidating. Kids may wonder how they can begin to make friends in a new school, classroom, or activity group. In her original picture book, Zewlan Moor invites children to take inspiration from the animal kingdom in greeting others while showing their unique personality.

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Karen Obuhanych. Text copyright © 2026 by Zewlan Moor. Published by Nosy Crow, 2026.

Through Moor’s vivacious rhymes, kids meet a group of very different animals who all have one thing in common—an extraordinary way to greet others. From beluga whales that shake a fin and make clicking sounds to gorillas that express themselves with their whole body to fiddler crabs that really get into the rhythm of saying hello, all of the animals here are sure to delight children. As they giggle at some of these creatures’ antics or find comfort in other’s calmer demeanors, kids will discover that being themselves while meeting people is the perfect way to begin new friendships.

Following the story, readers learn about eight creatures and the fascinating ways they meet and greet others, send messages, and react to feeling afraid or shy.

In her joyful mixed-media illustrations, Karen Obuhanych follows a group of kids as they enter their classroom (some more reluctantly than others), meet each other and their teacher for the first time, and end the day as happy, cohesive friends. In between, readers discover that each child has their own way of presenting themself and interacting with others as they join an animal or other creature that matches their personality and communication style. Obuhanych’s bright, bold images will charm and amuse children while boosting their self-confidence and self-esteem.

Fun, reassuring, and enlightening, Say Hello Like an Armadillo is an uplifting and jaunty read-aloud. Dynamic sound and action words accompanying each verse will inspire participation, making this a fantastic addition to circle time or story time in any classroom or library. The book is highly recommended for any children’s book collection.

Ages 4 – 8

Nosy Crow, 2026 | ISBN 979-8887771168

About the Author

Zewlan Moor (pronounced “SHOO-len”) is a children’s author, medical doctor, and bibliotherapist. To keep up, she writes while wearing her surgical scrubs, in between dashing off to the hospital. Despite living on the Gold Coast of Australia, she prefers books and boardgames to the beach. Unbelievable! She can say hello―and not much else―in her heritage languages of Tagalog, Spanish, Mandarin, and German. But her favorite way to say hello is the triple scoop! Visit her at zewlanmoor.com.

About the Illustrator

Karen Obuhanych is an author-illustrator living on the Big Island of Hawaii with her family, including two crazy cats, a spotted pig dog, various fish, and one glowing axolotl. She wrote and illustrated This Little Kitty and This Little Kitty in the Garden and has illustrated several books for young readers. Inspired by Hawaii and the simple joys in life, you will often find Karen drawing or cutting bits of paper to capture the everyday moments that make us smile. Karen’s favorite way to say hello is “Smile, smile . . . WAVE!” Visit her at ktoart.com.

Get Ready for Kindergarten Month Activity

Say Hello like an Armadillo Discussion Questions Postcard

Educators and parents can engage their kids in talking about how to greet new friends with the thoughtful and conversation-prompting questions on this Say Hello like an Armadillo Postcard from Nosy Crow found on Zewlan Moor’s website!

You can buy Say Hello Like an Armadillo and Other Animal Greetings from Around the World from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

July 2 – National Pickle Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

July is made for picnics and picnics are made for pickles! If your sandwich or hot dog is just not the same without the tang of pickles or you love nothing more than biting into a crunchy gherkin, dill, or other variety, then this holiday is for you! Instituted in 1949 with encouragement by the Pickle Packers, this observance celebrates the popularity of pickles. An eye-popping 5,200,000 pounds of pickles are eaten in the US every year! Pickles have a storied history, going back thousands of years to 2030 BC, when pickling was used as a preservative. Even Cleopatra and Julius Caesar lauded the beauty and strengthening properties of pickles! So, if you relish pickles by themselves or incorporated into your favorite dish—enjoy!

Thanks to Tundra Books for sending me this book for review!

The Wise Pickle

Written by Sarah Howden | Illustrated by Sabina Hahn

One day, a pickle appeared “on the side of the road, against the wall of a dry cleaners” and, speaking into the ether, took stock. “‘I am a pickle on the side of the road. . . I have lived a lot of life.'” Hearing this, animals began to gather and seek answers from the pickle’s seemingly vast store of knowledge. A rat propped the pickle upon a pillow, and from there it made pronouncements, both philosophical and mystical. When a mouse offered the pickle a crumb, the pickle said, “‘I’m here to feed others, not to eat.'”

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Sabina Hahn. Text copyright © 2026 by Sarah Howden. Courtesy of Tundra Books.

Over hours and days, this gherkin guru’s followers hung on its every word, even as their mentor shriveled in the hot sun. Their questions ranged from the proverbial “‘Why are we here?'” to the more pointed “‘How did you get here?'” The pickle was generous with its answers, revealing that it “‘used to live underwater . . . in a salty brine like the sea, but with more garlic,'” and sharing its inauspicious, yet shocking, past and its last wishes.

As the pickle’s prospects grew bleak, the animals accommodated its final desire and gathered to say goodbye. But this extraordinary pickle’s mission is not finished. In fact, its influence may just be taking off.

Smart, funny, and steeped in the tart and tangy pleasures of absurdism, Sarah Howden’s ingenious story will keep kids and adults laughing at its melding of droll humor, parody, and endearing characters. Her deft touch with straightforward storytelling amplifies her beguiling descriptions and laugh-out-loud dialogue, leaving readers happily enlightened. Howden’s enigmatic hero is one readers will never forget.

From the moment the pickle bounces onto the scene, Sabina Hahn’s deadpan graphite pencil and watercolor illustrations hilariously trace the pickle’s elevation from sidewalk curiosity to enthroned guru. The pickle’s wide, staring eyes express subtle emotions as the animals gather, their paws clasped in reverence as they lean in to learn his story and absorb his wisdom. Infused with sincerity, Hahn’s simply composed images are as charming as they are farcical, a perfect match for Sarah Howden’s story.

The Wise Pickle is a hilarious, contemplative story that all ages will eat up and request again and again. It is a must for any library or home collection and would make a delectable gift for any child.

Ages 4 – 8

Tundra Books, 2026 | ISBN 978-1774886984

Sarah Howden is the author of several books for children, including Cone Cat, Cone Dog and The Tunnel. Her poems have been published in Grain and Jones Av., and stories in Chirp and Chickadee magazines. Sarah is also an editor at Orca Book Publishers, where she enjoys helping other writers sculpt their stories. She works out writing conundrums on walks around her neighborhood or by distracting herself with snacks (she won’t say no to a crunchy pickle). Having grown up in the Niagara Region, she now lives in Toronto with her husband, daughter, and two mischievous cats. Follow her on Instagram.

Illustrator, animator and sculptor Sabina Hahn has been a voracious reader and an unstoppable doodler her whole life, which has led her into the world of children’s books. She loves stories, tall tales and most importantly, pickles. Sabina grew up in Riga, Latvia, and now lives in New York. Visit her at sabinahahn.com.

National Pickle Month Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-pickle-maze

Pack a Peck of Pickles Puzzle

The pickle jar has toppled over! Can you pick up the pickles in the maze to pack them in the jar again?

Pack a Peck of Pickles Puzzle | Pack a Peck of Pickles Puzzle Solution

You can purchase The Wise Pickle from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

June 22 – International Being You Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Sometimes people find it hard to show their true, even quirky parts of themselves when they’re trying to live up to expectations or fit in with a certain crowd. International Being You Day invites everyone to disregard these pressures and celebrate their individuality. The holiday encourages self-acceptance, and the courage to acknowledge and show your real personality, whether that’s flashy or quiet; take part in activities that speak to you, not just the group; and to believe in your own skills and knowledge—to be confident and authentic. Today’s book puts a humorous and ultimately sweetly poignant spin on the holiday.

Thanks to Scholastic for sending me this book for review!

The Mystery of the Lost Cape (The Terrible Trio #3)

Written by Swapna Haddow | Illustrated by Minky Stapleton

Our intrepid friends Zeb the zebra, Marge the penguin, and Barry the lemur have settled into their roles as the most unlikely of superheroes as Zeb’s power is blending in with a crosswalk, Marge can make mac ‘n’ cheese from anything, and Barry has very nice handwriting. It’s tidying up day at their official lair—the Superheroes Café—and Zeb suggests sorting out the dress-up box. Only, it’s not a dress-up box, it’s the Lost-and-Found box, and Barry’s scandalized that Zeb and Marge want to play with other animals’ belongings.

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Minky Stapleton. Text copyright © 2026 by Swapna Haddow. Courtesy of Scholastic.

As Barry begins matching items with their possible owners, he finds a polka-dotted cape and just has to try it on. As soon as he ties it around his neck, he begins flying! Barry wants to try it out, but he’s conflicted. If he just borrows it, though, just to see what it’s like to be a real superhero, that would be okay, right? He dons a pair of goggles and soon he’s flying over the city. In no time he helps apprehend a wolf gang of bank robbers.

The “Masked Crusader” is all over the news, and Marge and Zeb can’t stop buzzing about him. They aren’t the only ones obsessed. Barry, himself, can’t seem to let go of his new alter-ego. He takes on just one more mission, then another and another and . . . When Barry finally comes back to the café, Zeb discovers the cape and remembers that Emu is offering a $50,000 reward for its return. He calls—only too late remembering that Emu has two superpowers—flying and butt kicking. Each of our intrepid heroes are afraid of getting their booty kicked, and they skirmish over who should hand over the cape and . . . Riiiiippp!

After Zeb fails to fool Emu with a similar-looking tablecloth, Barry takes the rap. But before he gets his butt kicked, he tells Emu that he only used the cape to become a real superhero like her. Suddenly, Emu breaks down, admitting that she’s only a flying—and butt-kicking—superhero because of the cape. The three are surprised, reminding her that she “almost kicked Barry’s butt a moment ago” without wearing her cape and reassuring her that their butts were all terrified and are “still a bit frightened.” Emu takes their words to heart (and to her booty-kicking feet). She leaves happy and more confident than ever. The whole experience has given Barry a new idea—one that will make use of his true superpower, help their superhero community, and add another offering to the Superhero Café.

In this this third—and final—book in her The Terrible Trio series, Swapna Haddow follows up The Not So Superheroes and The Day the Mac ‘n’ Cheese Ran Out with the equally charming and hilarious The Mystery of the Lost Cape. Haddow’s signature silliness is magnified with clever misdirection and comical cluelessness, and Zeb’s retelling of how the cape got torn is laugh-out-loud funny. Layered with witty running-gag subplots and character arcs, the story pulls them all together in a heartening and satisfying ending.

Loaded with rollicking action and evocative facial expressions as well as favorite comedy and mystery tropes, Minky Stapleton’s incredibly detailed illustrations immerse readers in this world where laughter is their superpower. Stapleton exuberant interactions among these lovable characters will keep readers riveted to this fast-paced story. Her dynamic, easy-to-read text mimics the characters’ quirky dialogue, highlighting emotions through size and special effects.

A joy to read and a winning finish to this standout series, The Mystery of the Lost Cape: The Terrible Trio #3 is a must for graphic novel fan as well as for any library or home collection. This series would make a wonderful gift to start off summer reading or for any occasion.

Ages 7 – 10

Scholastic, 2026 | ISBN 979-8225045043

About the Author

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.

About the Illustrator

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.

International Being You Day Activities

The Terrible Trio Coloring Pages and More

You can find lots of The Terrible Trio activity pages for kids to enjoy, including coloring pages, drawing pages, a page for finding your own superpower and animal, and Marge’s Mac ‘n’ Cheese recipe to download on Swapna Haddow’s website!

The Mystery of the Lost Cape Teachers Guide

Teachers, homeschoolers, and other educators can find an exciting and detailed Teacher’s Guide developed by Scholastic that’s full of comprehension questions and fun, thoughtful activities for individuals or a whole class on Swapna Haddow’s website.

You can purchase The Mystery of the Lost Cape (The Terrible Trio #3) from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

May 19 – National Plant Something Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

As Spring really takes hold and gets ready to pass the seasonal baton to summer, today’s holiday encourages people to get into the garden or grab a pot and plant whatever makes you happy, whether that’s veggies, herbs, berries, flowers, or maybe even just a small cactus for your windowsill. Taking care of and watching plants grow and produce food or flowers is a fun and rewarding experience for the whole family!

Thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing for sending me a copy of this book for review!

Groucho the Grouchy Groundhog: The Terrifying Turnip Takeover! (Volume 2)

Written by Lydia Lukidis | Illustrated by Tara J. Hannon

When Lord Turnip, the leader of planet Jupi-TURD lands his gigantic, very purple, turnip-shaped spaceship on the Island of Zoo York’s Critter Park and tells the citizens of Critter Creek that he plans on taking over the world, Groucho, a “grumpy, lazy, and sarcastic” groundhog has just one thing to say: “I don’t care!” He has a full day of eating pancakes and reading comics planned and there’s nothing his self-proclaimed bestie, half-pig, half-unicorn Blork, can do to change his mind.

Illustration copyright © 2026. by Tara J. Hannon. Text copyright © 2026 by Lydia Lukidis. Courtesy of Andrews McMeel Publishing.

When the “WAYOOOOO WAYEEEE,” of the landing turnip interrupts Groucho’s TV watching, though, he heads out to complain. They learn that Lord Turnip has arrived in Critter Creek bent on using his Slime-a-tron 3000 to slime everything in town, turning it all into poop fertilizer to mix with the soil and create an enormous turnip farm to feed the citizens of Jupi-TURD, which has dried up after 50 years of no rain. Not only are the denizens of Critter Creek going to lose their homes, Lord Turnip is going to use his Heinous Hypnotizer to turn them all into zombie farmers.

Groucho isn’t a natural superhero, though. Instead, as Lord Turnip begins putting his plan into action, Groucho, with a worried Blork in tow, returns home to get back to more important things—namely, pancakes and his fave TV show, “Pancakes with Pam.” When Lord Turnip slimes Groucho’s house, however, Groucho and Blork speed to adjoining Carrot County and Commander Hare E. Bun Bun’s evil lair to enlist help.

After the Commander’s Carrot of Chaos fails to destroy the turnip spacecraft and a fierce “Uh-huh! Nuh-uh! Uh-huh! Nuh-uh!” battle of (nit) wits over whether the Commander or Lord Turnip coined the evil laugh “MWAHAHAHA,” Lord Turnip hypnotizes the Commander so he speaks only in rhyme and turns his sidekick Ding Dong into a monkey. Things are looking pretty hopeless in Critter Creek! Can Groucho find a way to give Lord Turnip a taste of his own medicine? Can the Commander and Ding Dong help Critter Creek return to its pre-slimed glory? Turn-ip at your favorite bookstore to find out!

Versatile author Lydia Lukidis channels her talent for humor in Groucho the Grouchy Groundhog: The Terrifying Turnip Takeover, the second book in her new graphic novel series. Leading off with profiles of the main characters that will have kids giggling from the get-go, this dastardly plot unfurls with goofiness, plenty of clever wordplay, a touch of potty humor, and lots of MWAHAHAHAs for readers to join in on. At the story’s heart, are themes of friendship and cooperation as cantankerous Groucho and cheerful-yet-comically-clueless Blork work together to defeat Lord Turnip, even teaming up with their one-time nemesis Commander Hare E. Bun Bun. Lukidis’s fast-paced storytelling is full of action and adventure that kids will have on repeat.

Tara J. Hannon’s vivid, action-packed illustrations maximize all the silliness in this other-worldly story, from Groucho’s grumpy side to Blork’s endearing innocence to all the slimy destruction of Lord Turnip’s visit to Critter Creek. Each panel advances the story with funny imagery, exaggerated facial expressions, signs, sound effects, and other details tucked away to delight readers.

Ages 6 – 8

Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2026 | ISBN 979-8881605612

If you haven’t read the first book in this hilarious series, check out Groucho the Grouchy Hedgehog and catch up on all the fun!

When Groucho and Blork learn that the evil Commander Hare E. Bun Bun has stolen all of the pancakes of Critter Creek, along with the secret recipe, Groucho and Blork dash to save the day and become an unlikely pair of crime fighters!

About the Author

Lydia Lukidis is an award-winning author of 50+ trade and educational books for children. Her titles include DANCING THROUGH SPACE: Dr. Mae Jemison Soars to New Heights (Albert Whitman, 2024) and DEEP, DEEP, DOWN: The Secret Underwater Poetry of the Mariana Trench (Capstone, 2023) which was a Crystal Kite winner, Forest of Reading Silver Birch Express Honor, and Cybils Award nominee. Another passion of hers is fostering a love for children’s literacy through the writing workshops she regularly offers in elementary schools across Quebec with the Culture in the Schools program. Lydia is represented by literary agent Miranda Paul from the Erin Murphy Literary Agency. For more information, please visit lydialukidis.com.

About the Illustrator

Tara J. Hannon lives in a house on a hill near the Chesapeake Bay. She writes and illustrates from her home studio, alongside her husband, two daughters, and one overly excited dog. When not creating, she can be found enjoying the bay with her family, jogging at a slow and friendly pace, or drinking coffee. Visit her at tarajhannon.com.

Plant Something Day Activity

Groucho the Grouchy Groundhog Activity Guide

Kids will love spending time in Critter Creek with the incomparable Groucho, Blork, Hare E. Bun Bun and the rest of the gang with this Activity Guide full of character cards, puzzles, coloring pages, drawing pages, discussion questions, and more that are perfect for teachers, families, and all Groucho fans! You’ll find the Groucho the Grouchy Groundhog Activity Guide on Lydia Lukidis’s website!

You can purchase Groucho the Grouchy Groundhog: The Terrifying Turnip Takeover! from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

About the Holiday

Bitsy Bat, Snow Star (The Bitsy Bat Series)

By Kaz Windness

National Bat Awareness Week and Month Activity

Bitsy Bat Series Media Kit

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About the Holiday

Tiger Terror (Max Beast #2)

By Maddy Mara

Read a New Book Month Activity

Books to Love, Books to Read Book Bag

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About the Holiday

We Are the Keystones: Animals That Hold Habitats Together

Written by Katy S. Duffield | Illustrated by Hannah Salyer

National Wildlife Day Activity

Wonderful Wildlife Board Game

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About the Holiday

Say Hello Like an Armadillo: And Other Animal Greetings from Around the World

Written by Zewlan Moor | Illustrated by Karen Obuhanych

Get Ready for Kindergarten Month Activity

Say Hello like an Armadillo Discussion Questions Postcard

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About the Holiday

The Wise Pickle

Written by Sarah Howden | Illustrated by Sabina Hahn

National Pickle Month Activity

Pack a Peck of Pickles Puzzle

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About the Holiday

The Mystery of the Lost Cape (The Terrible Trio #3)

Written by Swapna Haddow | Illustrated by Minky Stapleton

International Being You Day Activities

The Terrible Trio Coloring Pages and More

The Mystery of the Lost Cape Teachers Guide

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About the Holiday

Groucho the Grouchy Groundhog: The Terrifying Turnip Takeover! (Volume 2)

Written by Lydia Lukidis | Illustrated by Tara J. Hannon

Plant Something Day Activity

Groucho the Grouchy Groundhog Activity Guide

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