November 4 – National Stress Awareness Day

About the Holiday

National Stress Awareness Day was established in 1998 by Caroline Spiers, the chairperson of the International Stress Management Association (ISMA). ISMA promotes knowledge about stress and helps people recognize, manage, and reduce stress in their personal and professional lives. The first Wednesday of November was chosen as this holiday’s date as Wednesday is typically seen as the most exhausting and stressful day of the week. The day encourages people to “take a deep breath and embrace peace.” Children also feel stress and learning ways to decompress and lesson those feelings now can lead to a happier and healthier life. Today’s book can help families get blasting in the right direction.

Thank you to Margaret K. McElderry Books for sharing a digital copy of this book with me for review!

I Need Space

Written by Molly Harris | Illustrated by Jon Corby

For Rocco the rocket ship, outer space was like “one gigantic playground.” He loved swinging from satellites and sliding along Saturn’s rings. “It was all a blast” until the “hoggers,” “line-cutters,” and “toy-stealers” showed up. Even moving farther away didn’t help when the rough-housing meteors crashed through, knocking Rocky here and there and into space debris. Rocky just wanted some space.

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Jon Corby. Text copyright © 2026 by Molly Harris. Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books copyright © 2026.

Rocco and his friend zipped off to the edge of the solar system, where it was quiet and peaceful—”all the things he needed to cool his jets and refill his tank.” Here he could appreciate the universe and his place in it “in a whole new way.” Back home, Rocco retrieved his toys and kept a comfortable distance from the meteors while playing hide and seek—his favorite game.

Back matter includes a few fascinating facts about space and a list of techniques that can help kids recharge or recover when big feelings become overwhelming.

In Molly Harris’s pun-filled, metaphorical story, Rocco’s experiences with more rowdy playmates, his escape to a calmer quadrant of space, and his return with a new perspective, renewed patience, and ideas for games he’ll enjoy opens many avenues for children and adults to talk about emotions, different personality types, and how to tend to self-care when feeling overwhelmed. The book also offers the opportunity to for discussions on friendship, playing fairly, and being aware of others’ feelings. Harris’s fun, fast-paced storytelling is entertaining, with examples children will readily recognize and a supportive relationship between Rocco and his alien friend.

Jon Corby’s adorable characters and brilliant color palette make I Need Space a visual treat that immediately captures readers’ attention and puts them squarely in Rocco’s corner. As Rocco comes to the end of his tether after being bumped and tossed by the meteors, Corby draws him in closeup, straining against the sides of the page in a burning red swirl. In a moment he shoots himself into deep, black space, where he feels most at home. Crosby presents relatable scenes that cause Rocco stress, as well as a magical view of space that children will love to linger over.

Comforting, reassuring, and fun, I Need Space twinkles with personality and practical help for stressful situations. It would be a go-to book on home bookshelves and is highly recommended for all library collections.

Ages 4 – 8

Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2026 | ISBN 978-1665980579

About the Author

Molly Harris is the author of picture books The Big Squeeze, Whirby, and I Need Space. She is a technical writer by trade who enjoys world traveling and working on too many projects at once. Originally from Massachusetts, she now lives in Ireland with her husband and two sons. Visit her at MollyHarrisBooks.com.

About the Illustrator

Jon Corby is an illustrator and children’s book designer. He earned his BFA in illustration from Syracuse University and is currently based in Pennsylvania. I Need Space is his debut picture book. Learn more about his work at JonCorbyArt.com.

National Stress Awareness Day Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-mind-jar

Starry Mindfulness Jar

You can capture the beauty of starry space with this easy craft perfect for calming contemplation.

Supplies

Small to medium mason jar or other decorative jar with a tight lid
White glitter glue,
Light blue glitter glue,
Fine white and/or blue glitter
Large white and/or blue glitter
Warm water

Directions

1.For every 1/2 cup of warm water add:

1 1/2 teaspoons white glitter glue
1/2 teaspoon blue glitter glue
2 teaspoons fine glitter glue
1/2 teaspoon large glitter

2. Close lid tightly

3. Shake

4. As glue dissolves, the liquid will become clearer and the glitter will remain suspended in it

You can purchase I Need Space from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

November 2 – Look for Circles Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Today is one of those days that gets you really observing the world in a new way. As you go about your day at the office, at school, at shops, or just while driving here and there, be aware of all the different circles you see. Sure, there are the obvious ones—the tires on your car, the signals on a stoplight, the lid of your water bottle or coffee cup . . . but how about all the less-seen circles? Knots on trees, a lemon slice, the center of a flower, the ripple of a raindrop or pebble dropped in a puddle. Whether you look for circles through the eye of geometry or the eye of art, be fully aware of the shapes around you!

Thank you to Ten Speed Young Readers for sending me this book for review!

The Little Polka Dot

By Cassandra Berger

A pattern of polka dots did everything together. Sometimes they all changed color at the very same moment. Sometimes they got bigger or smaller. Everyone was happy. “Except for Little Polka” who had trouble keeping up and felt like he just didn’t belong. He decided to try living on his own. Being alone opened many possibilities: “‘. . . if I could do anything, BE anything, what would I be?'” he asked himself. He closed his eyes and thought about what made him happiest—what made him . . . him.

Suddenly, he grew an appendage! Then . . . Pop! Pop! Pop, pop, pop! He grew some more! They were petals! Yellow petals! And suddenly he “felt just right.” When the other polka dots saw Little Polk Dot, they were astounded. Little Polka Dot explained what happened, telling them, “‘I thought really hard about who I am. And I became . . . myself!'” Inspired, the other polka dots decided to try it themselves. Soon . . . Pop! Pop! Pop, pop, pop! The pattern disappeared . . . and each dot became wondrously uniquely “themselves!”

Cassandra Berger’s sweet story offering thoughtful and uncomplicated assurance about finding and being yourself will make readers smile—and get talking—every time it’s read. The confidence and bravery of Berger’s little hero, who bucks ever-changing popular trends to discover what makes him truly happy, is applicable in so many situations from small friend groups to classrooms to the crushing conformity of social media. Berger’s storytelling is charmingly straightforward as Little Polka Dot asks himself the big questions of life and later leads his fellow polka dots to the secret to happiness.

Underlying Berger’s deceptively simple illustrations are complex questions about the nature of individuality, personality, independent thought, and contemplation. The story begins with several two-page spreads crowded with nearly identical polka dots, while outlier Little Polka Dot is pushed to the margins. Once Little Polka Dot decides to leave the pattern, however, he appears alone in the center of a completely white page—an image that feels like an oasis of calm amid cacophany. The following pages also suggest the idea of giving kids (and anyone) the space and time to think on their own about themselves and the lives they want to lead. When Little Polka is reunited with the others, readers will enthusiastically watch and react as they change, grow, and become who they’re meant to be.

An ingenious and joyful story about becoming and being your true self that kids and adults will love to share again and again, The Little Polka Dot will spark conversations and activities for classrooms and children’s programs as well as at home and is a must for all library collections. The book would make a wonderful gift for children, parents, grandparents, and teachers.

Ages 3 – 7+

Ten Speed Young Readers, 2026 | ISBN 978-0593839065

About the Author

Cassandra Berger is an author and illustrator. She graduated from Pratt Institute with a degree in Illustration and a love for Brooklyn. She then discovered the wonderful world of animation and began a long career in kids media designing on award-winning shows and show development. Cassandra now teaches Character Design at her alma mater. Originally from Massachusetts, she resides in New York with her family who are her constant source of love, belly laughs, and crumbs. Visit her at cassandraberger.com.

Look for Circles Day Activity

The Little Polka Dot Teachers Activity Guide from Ten Speed Young Readers

Teachers, homeschoolers, parents, and other adults will find eight exciting and fun activities for kids to do that celebrate their unique qualities along with Little Polka Dot and his friends in this The Little Polka Dot Teachers Guide! You can download it from the Penguin Random House/Ten Speed Young Readers’ website!

You can purchase The Little Polka Dot from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

September 1 – World Letter Writing Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Once, people communicated their news, emotions, and “wish you were here” postcard sentiments through the mail. Today, letters can take on a different connotation. They don’t have to be those long missives sent in envelopes with stamps affixed. A note to a friend, a message included in a child’s lunch sack, or a post-it stuck where a co-worker can see it are all ways to write a few encouraging words to those you love. Today, why not put your thoughts on paper and give your letter to someone you’d like to connect with—even if it’s just for a little help, like in today’s book!

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

Love, Panda

Written by Elaine Su | Illustrated by Charlene Chua

As new big brother Benny takes off to play with a visiting friend, a squishy panda feels abandoned with the baby who’s chewing her ear amid piles of diapers, tiny clothes, and other little toys. Panda writes a letter to Benny pleading to be rescued to no avail. The next day Panda writes that she endured watching “four elephants fly around in a circle all morning.” The baby thinks they’re hilarious, but Panda? Not so much. She reminds Benny that she’s still waiting for him to retrieve her. In a postcard, Panda questions if Dump Truck is even delivering her letters.

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Charlene Chua. Text copyright © 2026 by Elaine Su. Published by Orchard Books copyright © 2026.

As Baby continues to grow, Panda grows desperate, and her letters become impassioned missives bemoaning her fate as Baby’s constant companion. Panda’s suffering through loud crinkly books, new lax rules on burping, and Baba’s singing to Baby. Little by little, though, Panda’s letters reveal real concern, interest, appreciation, and an understanding of what Baby needs. Panda even uses her name. But then the “weirdest thing” happens. Panda begins to bond with Baby Lou and to have flashbacks, from when Benny was a baby, of that crinkly book, one of Lou’s hats, and even having tea with a giraffe in the baby’s room.

At the same time, Lou learns to sit up, and Benny is suddenly more interested in his baby sister. Entering her room, he reconnects with Panda in a big, happy squeeze before the three have a tea party together. In her last letter, Panda retracts her previous requests, having decided that she “might stay here a bit longer,” but inviting Benny to come play again tomorrow.

Elaine Su’s adorable story, told through witty letters that echo the feelings of a sibling as they adjust to the changes a new baby brings, is full of personality, funny observations, and the subtle way acceptance and love grow between siblings. Su deftly weaves Baby Lou’s progression of milestones throughout the story, reminding older brothers or sisters that they, too, experienced these stages and share a common history.

Charlene Chua’s bright illustrations give young readers plenty to smile, laugh, and talk about as Panda’s facial expressions clearly show her emotions—from boredom to growing kinship to happiness. Benny’s increasing interaction with his sister is also shown through background images of his playdates, his reaction to Lou’s crying, and his sweet reunion with Panda before officially giving her to Lou. The final image of a letter Benny has made for Panda brings the story to a heartwarming finish.

Endearing and hilarious, Love, Panda is a perfect choice for new or soon-to-be siblings that will continue to be relevant and appreciated as the baby grows and the siblings form a relationship. The book is sure to be an often-asked-for addition to any home or library collection.

Ages 4 – 8

Orchard Books, 2026 | ISBN 978-1546179580

About the Author

Elaine Su was born in Shanghai and now lives with her family in beautiful coastal British Columbia, Canada. Her favorite childhood stuffie was an enormous green and white rabbit named Duffle. Visit her at elainesu.com.

About the Illustrator

Charlene Chua has illustrated more than a dozen books, including Oliver Bounces Back!, Amy Wu and The Perfect Bao, The Pencil, and Hug? Her work has been nominated for the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Award, the Forest of Reading Awards, the Shining Willow Award, and the First Nation Communities READ Award. Charlene lives in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Visit her/them at charlenechua.com.

World Letter Writing Day Activity

Love, Panda Activity Pages

Kids can commiserate with Panda and show their love for their own favorite stuffed animal with these Love, Panda Activity Pages from Elaine Su, Charlene Chua, and Scholastic!

Love, Panda Coloring Sheet | Love, Panda Letter Writing Activity

You can purchase Love, Panda from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

August 7 – National Dog Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Established in 2020 by Milk-Bone and the J.M. Smucker Company, National Dog Month celebrates those special companions that give us so much love and enjoyment every day and encourages dog owners to show their pets extra attention during the leisurely days of August. Dogs love being with their humans, so why not give your pet a special treat or take them for a longer than usual walk? If you’re contemplating adding a pet to your family, this month may be a good time to make the move and visit your local shelter to adopt a new family member!

Thanks to Margaret K. McElderry Books for sending me a copy of this book for review!

Milton Makes a Move (Noodle and Jonathan)

Written by Jonathan Graziano | Illustrated by Dan Tavis

Milton enjoyed his home with it’s big yard and lots of other dogs to play with. These other dogs all dreamed of finding a permanent home of their own, and while “Milton liked most adventures”—as any pug would—he thought having a family was “too good to be true.” But one day he learned that he was moving in with a new family. The idea made him nervous. His mind swirled with so many “what ifs.”

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Dan Tavis. Text copyright © 2026 by Jonathan Graziano. Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books.

Still, he was soon on a plane and despite his worries, he was determined to be brave. He was met at his destination by a man named Jonathan, who seemed excited—as well as a bit nervous—to meet him. “Milton offered his head up for pats,” and Jonathan obliged, smiling. Milton felt better. As Milton explored his new home, he found many comforting and familiar things—like his favorite snacks and a welcoming bed. He also saw lots of pictures of Jonathan’s last pug, Noodle, having amazing adventures. When a sudden thunderstorm frightened Milton, Jonathan was right there with his comforting lap to snooze on.

The next day while making friends in his new backyard, Milton noticed that Jonathan seemed nervous about one particular black-and-white striped friend. He “boofed” at it until it ran off and then comforted Jonathan just as Jonathan had done for him the day before. Jonathan praised him as “the Very Best Boy,” and Milton felt proud. The longer Milton was with Jonathan, the braver he became. He and Jonathan had fun at home as well as many outdoor adventures, always taking care of each other and learning to be brave together no matter what.

Whether you and your kids are already fans or followers of Jonathan Graziano and his love for pugs (Noodle and the No Bones Day and Noodle Conquers Comfy Mountain) or are new to their sweet relationships, you will delight in Milton Makes a Move. Kids will cheer on the endearing pug Milton as he overcomes his worries about leaving the rescue home he knows for a forever home with Jonathan. Children who feel similarly anxious about change and trying new things or are sensitive to sensory issues will relate to Graziano’s straightforward and emotionally resonant storytelling.

A welcome theme in this story embraces the idea that the adventure of life is a collaboration between friends who truly care about each other, accepting their fears and worries and bolstering them when needed. Both Milton and Jonathan demonstrate that the courage to be brave is found within each person, giving young readers support and understanding as they face new challenges. Children will appreciate Graziano’s honest and uplifting ending that also reassures them that they are not alone in their feelings.

Dan Tavis combines whimsical and realistic imagery in his energetic and emotionally expressive pages that show Milton and Jonathan’s growing friendship and reliance on each other. Children will love pointing out all of Milton’s new friends and “boof, boofing” along with him as he finds his voice and happiness with Jonathan.

A sweet, uplifting, and confidence-building story, Milton Makes a Move will cheer young readers and is highly recommended for all library collections.

Ages 4 – 8

Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2026 | ISBN 979-8347108947

About the Author

Jonathan Graziano is a Rochester native who currently resides in New York City. His eternal muse, Noodle, continues to inspire him each and every day. It is Jonathan’s hope that through this story he can continue Noodle’s legacy of spreading joy and kindness and encourage others to adopt and/or rescue a senior pet next time they’re looking to add a new member to their family. You can find Jonathan on TikTok and Instagram at @JonGraz.

About the Illustrator

Dan Tavis is illustrator living in New Hampshire. He has been doodling ever since his first math class in elementary school! He is the New York Times bestselling illustrator of Noodle and the No Bones Day, Common Critters,and Fluffy McWhiskers Cuteness Explosion, among other projects. Learn more at DanTavis.com.

National Dog Month 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 Milton Makes a Move from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

June 8 – National Raspberry Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

What is summer without the luscious taste of raspberries? These little berries are perfect for breakfast in your yogurt, for lunch as an upgrade for a usual peanut butter and jam sandwich, and for dinner in a special sauce or salad. And of course there are so many ways raspberries can elevate dessert! Raspberries can even make an outing with friends so much better, as you’ll see in today’s book. So while these favorite treats are in season, plan a trip to a farmers market or a pick-your-own field for a berry fun day!

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

Just for Today (A Maybe Tomorrow Book)

Written by Charlotte Agell | Illustrated by Ana Ramírez González

As soon as Norris sees Elba, he can tell that she’s been up all night worrying. He offers to talk about it with her, but she declines. Norris tries another tack, telling Elba “‘sometimes worry is when you tell yourself the wrong story'” and suggesting that “‘just for today'” she tries telling herself “‘a different story.'” Elba is game to try. To start off, Norris decides on a happy ending to aim for then prompts a story with Elba’s help about two good friends who sail off on their boat.

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Ana Ramírez González. Text copyright © 2026 by Charlotte Agell. Courtesy of Scholastic.

Elba is excited to hear they have a boat, which inspires Norris to actually build a boat with wood and nails he has lying around. Elba helps, and soon they have the Adventure to float down the river to have a picnic. On shore, Norris unpacks their basket to find lots of goodies. . . but no Elba? Where could she be? Norris was “having too many thoughts. All those thoughts were turning into worries!”

Suddenly, Elba finds herself sailing off with the current and then, with a bump, she’s in the water. Realizing Norris can’t hear her cries for help, she finds her way to shore and clambers onto dry land. There, in front of her, is a raspberry thicket full of luscious fruit—her and Norris’s favorite! She nibbles a red raspberry while singing a comforting song to herself then sets off up the riverbank to find her friend. When she’s greeted by one of the butterflies that always hovers around Norris, Elba knows she is on the right path.

Norris, meanwhile, is full of worries that only grow as he tries not to worry. But then, he hears a voice he recognizes, and soon Elba appears. She’s surprised to learn that Norris was worried and that “everyone worries sometimes.” Elba pulls Norris along to see the raspberries she found, as they talk about how their worries actually helped them. They list the things they’ve lost as well as the things they haven’t and celebrate the raspberries they can have for lunch. They finish the story they were telling—short and sweet and all about their friendship—and it will always be their favorite.

Charlotte Agell’s Just for Today, the second book in her Maybe Tomorrow series brings best friends Elba and Norris back together to reassure young readers when they feel worried or overwhelmed. Through her gentle storytelling, Agell lets children know that they are not alone in experiencing the physical jitters and swirling thoughts that can feel paralyzing while giving them a concrete way to reframe the ideas in their mind. Her advice to concentrate on “just today” or simply a task at hand helps kids manage their emotions which fosters self-confidence. This lesson is clearly demonstrated through Elba and Norris’s close friendship, Elba’s uplifting internal dialogue, and the way Elba counters Norris’s regrets on losing their boat and food with positive aspects of the day.

Ana Ramírez González’s vibrant mixed-media illustrations engage readers with lovely landscapes and sweetly drawn depictions of Elba and Norris together. Norris and Elba’s changing emotions are evident and realistic, subtly moving between worry, fear, happiness, and contentment and giving children and adults a range of feelings to talk about.

Comforting and affirming, Just for Today is a balm for the worries and uncertainties of daily life and a book that children and adults will love to share.

Ages 4 – 8

Scholastic Press, 2026 | ISBN 978-1546181323

About the Author

Charlotte Agell was born in Norsjo, Sweden, and grew up in Montreal, Canada. She is the mother of two grown children and is a retired public-school teacher living in Maine. Charlotte is the author and illustrator of several picture books, chapter books, and young adult fiction published in Canada and abroad. Her Scholastic Press debut, Maybe Tomorrow? was hailed by School Library Journal as a story that offers “hope that the world can be a beautiful place.” Learn more at charlotteagell.com.

About the Illustrator

Ana Ramírez González is a New York Times bestselling illustrator, as well as a film director, production designer, and visual development artist who has worked on many high-profile films, including Pixar’s Academy Award-winning Coco. Ana grew up in Guanajuato, Mexico, and lives in San Francisco, California. Learn more about her work at anaramirezgonzalez.com.

National Raspberry Day Activity

Just for Today Activity Pages

Kids can help Elba get together with Norris for a day of fun and write their own story in these two Just for Today Activity Pages from Scholastic!

You can purchase Just for Today from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

May 11 – Celebrating Monday

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Mondays! Blah, right? Goodbye to the freedom of the weekend and hello—again—to the pressures and stresses of work or school. Monday may not feel like something to celebrate, but the day can mean a new beginning too, a time to reflect on everything you have accomplished in the past and how you can meet new challenges head on. So with optimism and enthusiasm, let’s celebrate Monday, today and every week!

Thank you to Bloomsbury Children’s Books for sending me this book for review!

Find The Sun

By Andy Harkness

Eddie woke up to a rainy Monday. Mondays made him worry, so he went right back to bed, “curled beneath the covers,” and “hugged Rabbit tight.” When he opened his eyes, he found that instead of in his room, he was in the midst of a storm. A little cloud had even “settled softly on his head.” With aplomb Rabbit, now come to life, proposed a journey to find the sun. “Eddie froze” in the face of this choice: to stay or go. But he reached out his hand, and they rose high into the sky, Eddie became afraid, but Rabbit reassured him. “‘We can’t find the sun by staying low,'” he said.

At last they saw a bit of gold breaking through the clouds. They floated toward it, but a sudden gust of wind rocked them and they fell back to earth. Eddie feared the river waiting to catch them. But the water was calm, and Eddie began to enjoy floating along. The river, however, flowed into a cave. Eddie was afraid of the dark, but Rabbit told him “‘It’s only in the darkest of darks that we shine the brightest.'” And it was true. Inside the cave the stars shimmered and Eddie felt brave enough to lead the way.

When they emerged from the cave, Eddie and Rabbit were met with a hedge maze. Eddie loved mazes and ran inside without hesitation. The maze meandered and had dead ends, but Eddie ran here and there, joyfully exploring and finding his way. He felt happy and strong and suddenly realized that he’d “found the sun” inside himself. And when he awoke, Eddie knew he “was ready for Monday.”

For Eddie, it seems, Monday isn’t just a day of the week, it’s become a state of mind. He has worries, is fearful, and practices avoidance. Even as his transformational dream begins, Eddie is enveloped by the storm he feels inside. Andy Harkness understands that many children may experience these emotions, not only about Mondays but when faced with many unfamiliar experiences. Through Rabbit’s guidance, Harkness offers encouragement and wisdom and shows readers that trying new things brings an educated perspective and growing confidence.

Harkness’s gorgeous, multidimensional illustrations are a marvel. Beginning as pencil sketches each element was “sculpted” in virtual reality and given color and textures from photos of actual clay. The result is a brilliant immersive environment that invites readers into Eddie’s bedroom, across a lush rolling landscape, through a magical cave, and into the incredible maze, where each leaf of the hedges is visible. The final spread of the city park on Monday morning is breathtaking in its glorious mottled hues, reflections in a pond, and the image of Eddie striding confidently to meet the day.

Find the Sun is a story readers of all ages will relate to and appreciate and would be a favorite addition to any library or home collection.

Ages 3 – 6

Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2026 | ISBN 978-1547618767

When he wakes on this particular Monday, it’s beginning to rain—a mirror of his emotions. He hopes to escape by going back to sleep.

About the Author-Illustrator

Andy Harkness is the author and illustrator of Wolfboy, which received two starred reviews, and of Bug Zoo. He is an award-winning art director who has worked on Moana, Frozen, and Wreck-it-Ralph, among other movies. After twenty-five years at Disney, he moved to Sony Pictures Animation. He is currently at Skydance Animation, where he is the production designer on an upcoming project. He lives in California with his family. You can follow him on Instagram @andyharkness.

Celebrating Monday Activity

Follow the Sun! Maze

Help the group of kids find the sun so they can follow where it leads!

Follow the Sun! Maze | Follow the Sun! Maze Solution

You can purchase Find the Sun from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

May 1 – National Pet Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Today we’re celebrating our best friends! Who are they? Our pets, of course! Small (or large) and fury (or feathered, scaled, or finned), our pets give us unconditional love and loads of happiness. Just watching them navigate their day is entertaining and educational. National Pet Month was established to honor these in-home pals and remind pet owners to ensure their pets have everything they need to live a long and healthy life. This month take extra time to have fun with your pet—maybe just not too much, as today’s book reveals!

Thanks to Eerdmans Books for Young Readers for sending me this book for review!

Arthur’s Cat

By Johan Leynaud | Translated by Sarah Ardizzone

The first thing to know is that “Arthur adores his cat!” If he could, he’d cuddle him all the time, but Zeffo’s not so into it. The second thing is that Arthur has plans for Zeffo—BIG, fun plans that any super-hero-loving boy would like to do with his favorite sidekick; also high-jumping plans and reading plans; even gourmet plans. But Zeffo? He’s really not into it. So when Arthur picks Zeffo up and gives him tight hug? “Owwwww!” There’s a scratch and tears and big feelings—on both sides.

“Zeffo waits for the days to pass and the night skies to twinkle so the sadness can shrink, and Arthur’s heart can heal. So his hand can open without trying to hold tight.” Slowly, trust and confidence are rebuilt, and joy and play return as Arthur learns to respect Zeffo’s boundaries. Then Arthur and Zeffo are able to “love each other freely.”

Like a favorite treat mix, Johan Leynaud’s gentle storytelling in Arthur’s Cat entices, excites, and satisfies. Leynaud’s breezy delivery belies his deep insight into the finesse and understanding it can take to forge a relationship between young children and their pets, friends, or siblings and shows that respecting others’ boundaries can actually bring the closeness one seeks. Arthur is endearing with his cat-ears haircut and boundless love for Zeffo. Leynaud’s witty and elegant illustrations of towering furnishings and messes as well as Zeffo’s facial expressions will bring plenty of laughs. The final illustrations of Arthur and Zeffo finally enjoying a sweet goodnight cuddle are heartwarming.

Sarah Ardizzone’s graceful and melodic translation conveys all of the humor and heart that makes Johan Leynaud’s story so meaningful.

Tender, lovely, and profound, Arthur’s Cat is a true delight, one that will be a much-asked-for favorite on home bookshelves and is a must for all library collections.

Ages 3 – 7

Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2026 | ISBN 978-0802856586

About the Author

Johan Leynaud is a French artist, illustrator, and author who studied at the Beaux-Arts de Marseille and spends most of his time drawing. He hopes Arthur’s Cat, his English-language debut, will help children respect animals as living beings who sometimes need their space. One day Johan watched his niece play with her cat―and Arthur’s Cat began to grow in his mind. Follow Johan on Instagram.

About the Translator

Sarah Ardizzone has translated over fifty books from the French, including Thread by Thread, Sweet Dreamers, and Letters from Bear (all Eerdmans). Her translations have been named to best-of-the-year lists by Kirkus, School Library Journal, and the Bank Street College of Education. Sarah lives in Brixton, England, with her family and a fluffy black cat named Hector. Follow her on Instagram.

National Pet Month Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-wooden-bead-cat-craft

A Little Ball of Kitten

This sweet little kitten is easy to make and can keep you company on your desk, shelf, or anywhere! Since every kitten is different, you can make yours look just the way you want. Here’s how I made mine:

Supplies

Wooden ball with a flat bottom, available in craft stores and in different sizes
Craft paint in any color kitten you’d like (I used red and yellow and mixed it to make a mottled orange)
Craft paint in pink or white for the inner ear
Scrap of fleece for the ears. Fleece is easily shaped to the rounded ball and when painted is stiff enough to stand up on its own.
Thin, colored wire in several colors for the tail (string or twine, wrapped wire, fleece, stiff paper, and other materials could also be used)
Paint brush
Permanent marker for making the face
Hot glue gun or strong glue

Directions

Paint the wooden ball and let dry
Paint the scrap of fleece to match the wooden ball, let dry
Cut out small triangular shapes for the ears. Round the bottom of the ears slightly so they fit the shape of the ball
If making a tail from several colors of thin wire, twist them together, leaving one end untwisted
With the glue gun or strong glue attach the ears to the top of the head
With the glue gun attach the tail to the back of the wooden ball in the center near the base
With the marker, draw eyes, nose, and mouth for the face and semicircles near the bottom for the paws

You can purchase Arthur’s Cat from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

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