June 14 – National Mac & Cheese Day (Delicious Duos Series)

About the Holiday

Is there any more universally loved dish than macaroni and cheese? This tasty combo makes a perfect meal or side dish, one beloved by generations of gourmets. In fact, Thomas Jefferson was known as a mac & cheese aficionado, even importing parmesan cheese and macaroni for his Virginia estate after eating it in Italy and France. Going back a little farther, cooks in medieval England also relied on this staple, making a familar-sounding cheese and macaroni casserole called makerouns. And the boxed dinner we love so well? That was the brainchild of James Lewis Kraft, who answered a need for a satisfying meatless dish during the Great Depression. Who knows how far back this delicious concoction goes? Perhaps the moon really is made of (macaroni and) cheese!

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

Mac & Cheese: The Origin Story

Written by Michael L. Benner | Illustrated by Alison Hawkins

Even though Mac lived in Pastaland and was surrounded by noodles all the time, he couldn’t find a friend. He even twisted himself out of shape, and while this did attract more attention, it didn’t make him happy. He decided to “set sail across the Sea of Snacks” to try and meet a friend. He traveled from island to island, but none of the Snacks he encountered liked his jokes, his silly songs, or his games. He was just as sad as before. “My name should be Macalonely!” he told himself. Still, Noodles never gave up, so with the help of a sturdy pretzel stick, he climbed Mt. Cheddar, hoping to find a friend on the other side.

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Alison Hawkins. Text copyright © 2026 by Michael L. Benner. Courtesy of Orchard Books.

“Meanwhile . . . in Quesoland, Cheese was king.” Cheese reigned over all kinds of quesos, from sweet to nutty to smelly to even cheese in a can. But among all these quesos, King Cheese had no friend. “I feel so provolonely,” he told himself. He thought that becoming softer would help, but that only led to chaos. Being mature and firm didn’t work either. Finally, the king “boxed himself up in the Royal Cottage of Cheese” feeling blue.

But one day a stranger came to Quesoland, and the townscheeses needed their king. He was whisked off to meet . . . Mac! Someone thought he was “an impasta.” Another could only exclaim, “Holy macaroni!” But Mac broke out his jokes, and the quesos laughed! They thought he was “pasta-tively hilarious!” He melted right into their community, and King Cheese, himself, showed Mac around. Mac thought Quesoland was a perfect fit for him and so did the King. In fact, they both discovered what they’d been looking for!

Michael L. Benner cuts straight to the humor in his pun-tastic story that reveals how Mac & Cheese came together to create the enduring dynamic duo, who saves mealtime every time! With plenty of jokes, witty repartee, and—did I mention puns?, Benner riffs on all varieties of food, inviting kids to find their favorites in his funny tale. Underpinning themes of friendship, perseverance, and staying true to yourself add depth to the story for a satisfying read aloud.

Alison Hawkins’ delectable illustrations begin under the dust jacket as the front and back covers open up to create a vibrant map of Mac’s journey from Pastaland to Quesoland. Inside, Hawkins eye-catching pages will keep kids’ eyes roving from signs to landmarks to the characters, themselves, to catch all of the clever puns and jokes this book serves up. Hawkins charming flair for details makes Pastaland and Quesoland delicious destinations for all readers.

For kids who love puns, visual humor, and, of course, everyone’s favorite comfort food, Mac & Cheese: The Origin Story will be asked for again and again, making it a delicious pick for public, school, and home libraries.

Ages 4 – 8

Orchard Books, 2026 | ISBN 978-1546140764

About the Author

Michael L. Benner finds a story in every food pair he sees (and eats)! He loves to write humorous, punny picture books that make kids and adults laugh, and maybe groan a little, too. He lives and writes in Central Texas with his wife, son, and dog (who acts like a cat). Visit him at michaelbennerwritesbooks.com.

About the Illustrator

Alison Hawkins is an illustrator based in Durham, North Carolina. She started her career as a graphic designer, and went on to work as a product designer, illustrating for apparel, toys, and greeting cards. Some of her clients include American Greetings, Universal Standard, Target, and Discover Durham. Visit her at alisonhawkinsportfolio.com.

National Mac & Cheese Day Activity

Mac & Cheese: The Origin Story Activity Pages

Kids will love digging into these Mac & Cheese: The Origin Story activity pages to satisfy their craving for creativity!

You can purchase Mac & Cheese: The Origin Story from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble (B&N Exclusive Edition) | 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 5 – National Doughnut Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

National Doughnut Day was established in 1938 by Chicago’s Salvation Army to honor the women who served doughnuts and other home-cooked foods to soldiers on the front lines in France during World War I as well as to help the needy during the Great Depression. In 1917, 250 Salvation Army “Lassies” volunteered to provide morale boosters to the troops, such as small necessities and a break from the fighting. They also began making homemade food for the troops to remind them of home. One of these offerings was a doughnut cooked inside a helmet. Salvation Army Ensign Margaret Sheldon “wrote of one busy day: “Today I made 22 pies, 300 doughnuts, 700 cups of coffee.’”

A Bear, a Man, and a Doughnut Van

Written by Daniel Bernstrom | Illustrated by Brandon James Scott

It’s early morning—6:00, to be precise—and “a bear,” whose den overlooks a sleepy neighborhood, is waking up. In the sleepy neighborhood, “a man” yawns in his raspberry-hued bedroom, not quite ready to get up. A cup of coffee later, the man—now “a happy man” saunters out to his donut truck to inspect his wares, unaware of the bear also eyeing his wares. This bear is “a hungry bear,” and as luck (or unluck—all depending . . .) would have it, is also a donut lover. As the man is sneaking a blueberry-frosted from a box next to him, the bear is sneaking into the back of the van—and so the scene is set with “a happy man” and “a happy bear.”

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Branson James Scott. Text copyright © by Daniel Bernstrom. Courtesy of Hippo Park.

But not for long. As you might imagine, a hungry bear devouring doughnuts a mere few feet away might attract attention. And . . . you’d be right. The donut man takes a wary glance into the rearview mirror, and eye-popping panic ensues. The man screams! The bear screams! The van screams down the road—a runaway! The man drives; the bear hangs on. The bear drives; the man hangs on. They barrel toward a traffic jam then like a plane on the runway, they’re soaring into the air to who knows where. Will there still be any doughnuts to share?

Daniel Bernstrom’s and Brandon James Scott’s rip-roaring mashup of slapstick and buddy comedy will have kids laughing from their first glimpse of the bear, who they’ll eagerly follow as he gets closer and closer to the donut van to the story’s sweet finish. Young readers will adore being in on the coming surprise as the man peers into the mirror, and as chaos ensues, children will be torn between flipping the pages as fast as they can and pumping the breaks to catch all of the hilarity.

Just as for his other books in this series—A Bear, a Bee, and a Honey Tree and A Bear, a Fish, and a Fishy Wish—Daniel Bernstrom, an English teacher, wrote A Bear, a Man, and a Donut Van with the aim of guiding fledging readers toward confident, independent reading. His use of minimal text provides new readers with the types of repeat vocabulary, short sentences, rhyming prompts, and high-energy propulsion that nurture success. Bernstrom’s sprightly storytelling also encourages imaginative thinking and an active connection between readers and Brandon James Scott’s expressive illustrations.

Kids are gleefully along for the rollicking ride in Brandon James Scott’s frosting-colored illustrations filled with sweet silliness, suspense, and surprise. Farcical facial expressions and shifting fortunes maximize the humor. Scott slyly puts young readers in league with the bear by revealing funny clues as to how he entered the van, the similarities between him and the man, and how he secures a happy ending for the man as well as his own forest friends.

Wild and wooly in the best possible ways, A Bear, a Man, and a Doughnut Van is laugh-out-loud entertainment with a side of early-reading confidence that both kids and adults will adore sharing again and again. The book is a must for any library and home collection.

Ages 4 – 8

Hippo Park, 2026 | ISBN 978-1662641206

Daniel Bernstrom is a teacher, a poet, and the author of seven picture books, including One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree, illustrated by Brendan Wenzel. His book Big Papa and the Time Machine won the Minnesota Book Award and is the story of his grandfather leaving the south to find work and start a family amidst the challenges of 20th-century African American life. Daniel lives in Worthington, Minnesota with his family.

By day Brandon James Scott is a creative director working in animation and by night he illustrates picture books. For over a decade Brandon has worked on a range of hit animated entertainment including his own creation, the award-winning series, Justin Time. He loves to make art that brings adventure, levity, heart, and curiosity for the fantastic and whimsical world around us and in our dreams. A born and raised Canadian, he currently lives with his family in Toronto.

National Doughnut Day Activity

Delicious Doughnut Decor

Bake up some delicious decor with unused CDs or DVDs and this easy craft!

Supplies

Unused CDs or DVDs or cut circles from cardboard, foam board or poster board
Craft paint in tan, black, pink, yellow, white (or any colors you want for the doughnut and the icing)
Ribbon, any color and length you want
Fine-tip markers in bright colors
Glue
Glue dots (optional)
Paint brush

Directions

Paint a wavy edge around the CD or other material and let dry
Add “frosting” by painting from the wavy line inward to the clear center of the CD, leaving the clear circle unpainted. If using another material, draw and cut a center “hole” for your doughnut.
When the “frosting” is dry, draw sprinkles on it with the markers
With the ribbon make a loop hanger and attach it to the back of the CD with glue or glue dots
Hang your decoration

You can purchase A Bear, a Man, and a Doughnut Van from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

January 14 – National Soup Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

On a frigid January day, there’s nothing more satisfying than a steaming-hot bowl of your favorite soup! Or if you live in a southern climate, a cold soup can be so deliciously refreshing. While there are many tasty prepared soups, in honor of today’s holiday, you may want to try cooking a pot your own. Why not check out recipes from your heritage, geographical location, or even inspired by your favorite book? Bon appétit!

Soup’s On Around the World

Written by Denyse Waissbluth | Illustrated by Chelsea O’Byrne

Denyse Waissbluth and Chelsea O’Bryne invite readers to pull up a chair at a communal table where people from around the globe dip their spoons into bowls of delicious, nourishing soup. Traveling first to Thailand, children meet people living and plying their trade on a river. On open porches—feet dangling above the water—in boats, and even from floating restaurants people enjoy spicy tom yum goong (or tom yam goong) made from shrimp, lemongrass, and herbs and spices, including hot pepper flakes.

From spicy hot soup, Waissbluth pivots to cold with gazpacho, a cool refreshment of blended veggies, vinegar, olive oil, and bread from Spain once eaten by farmers working the fields, but now enjoyed worldwide. She also takes kids to countries where soup is the star of celebrations. In Haiti soup joumou is served every January first to commemorate the country’s Independence Day. Likewise, Mexican families dine on pozole, a meat and vegetable soup that comes in three types: green, white, and red to represent the Mexican flag to celebrate their Independence Day. In addition, those who observe Ramadan often break their fast after sundown with harira soup, a mix of meat, tomatoes, noodles or rice, and spices.

In all, Waissbluth serves up the stories and scrumptious ingredients for 20 delectable soups that we and our global neighbors enjoy for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even dessert! She also reminds us that soup isn’t strictly for meals, either. We all know the healing balm of chicken soup, and soup-making (and eating) have brought communities together for centuries. Soup really is a universal language!

Back matter includes an author’s note as well as recipes for Denyse’s and Chelsea’s favorite soups.

As in her first book in this series, Teatime Around the World, Denyse Waissbluth ferries young readers from country to country to get a taste of a dish that, while universal also bursts with unique flavors that represent diverse cultures; varied, local ingredients; and even history. Her light touch, broad range of countries and cultures, and admiration for the stories or traditions behind each type of soup keep children engaged and will spur them to think more deeply about their own relationship to special traditional family meals.

In her vivid illustrations, Chelsea O’Bryne dishes up charming scenes that drop readers into the midst of homes, picnics, celebrations, cafes, and even mountains where they join in with preparations and enjoyment of a wide variety of soups. Her clever illustrations reward thoughtful viewing with their depth, cultural details, and humor.

A meaningful way to engage young readers in cultural and social studies and of particular interest to children who love to cook and explore different foods and flavors, Soup’s On Around the World is highly recommended for home and library collections.

Ages 4 – 8

Greystone Kids, 2025 | ISBN 978-1778401671

About the Author

Denyse Waissbluth has eaten her way through every Canadian province and territory and more than twenty countries. Her appreciation for how food (like soup!) opens doors to different cultures, and her love of travel has inspired her first two children’s books Teatime Around the World, and now Soup’s On Around the World, both published by Greystone Kids. When she’s not working in the agricultural sector, you can find her exploring new places—both near and far—with her husband and son, enjoying a good book, or sipping a cup of tea. Visit her at denysewaissbluth.com.

About the Illustrator

Chelsea O’Byrne is an artist and teacher living and working in Vancouver, BC. She is the acclaimed illustrator of four books, including Hello, Crow! by Candace Savage (Greystone Kids, 2019), and Teatime Around the World, both published by Greystone Kids (Greystone Kids, 2020). One of Chelsea’s favorite things to eat in her studio is a nice big bowl of home-cooked soup . . . but she is very careful not to spill any on her drawings! You can visit her at chelseaobyrne.ca.

National Soup Month Activity

Soup’s On Around the World Curriculum Guide

This fun and colorful curriculum guide for Soup’s On Around the World provided by Greystone Books is the perfect way for teachers, parents, and other educators and caregivers to engage kids in interacting with their own favorite kinds of soup as well as the memories and stories this hearty meal inspires!

You can purchase Soup’s On Around the World from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

December 13 – It’s Gift-Giving Season

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

It’s that time of year when we delight in sharing our love for family members and friends with gifts. Books are, of course, perfect gifts. Not only do readers enjoy them again and again, but books can give you a whole world of adventure and surprise and introduce you to characters who are courageous, empathetic, surprising, and funny and who can become like friends—especially when you dig into a series.

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

The (Not So) Superheroes: The Terrible Trio #1

Written by Swapna Haddow | Illustrated by Minky Stapleton

When every animal in the world is invited to receive a superpower, Zeb the zebra, Barry the lemur, and Margarine the penguin (full name: Margarine on Toast, Marge for short) find themselves last in a very, very, very long line. As the line slowly moves, Zeb dreams of the riches and acclaim he’ll soon be enjoying. When Zeb, Barry, and Marge reach the front of the line, though, the superpower manager is all out of powers to give.

Turns out, the manager has a smidgen of empathy and quickly makes up three more. Marge receives the power to make mac ‘n’ cheese, Barry gets nice handwriting, and Zeb? He now has “the power to blend in at a crosswalk!” Barry and Marge are thrilled with their superpowers, but Zeb? Not so much. Suddenly, Marge remembers that the Superheroes Cafe is looking for help and thinks they’d be perfect candidates.

The restaurant manager is all in on Marge as a macaroni-and-cheese-making chef and Barry as a menu writer. But Zeb? Barry suggests he can fold napkins. They’re hired and get right to work. Soon a new menu emerges (Mac ‘N’ Cheese for breakfast, Mac ‘N’ Cheese Salad (without the salad) for lunch, and Double Mac ‘N’ Cheese for dinner) while crumpled napkins pile up at Zeb’s station (to be fair, he is working with hooves, not hands).

The cafe fills with customers, and Zeb can’t help but overhear the rumors about the “worthless” power he got, which “ranged from ‘the power of no power’ to ‘the power of having quite sharp toenails on a Sunday.'” Zeb decides he and his friends need to complete a mission to prove they are “awesome superheroes” worth better powers. He even overhears the chicken who was given superstrength reveal that a supervillain crocodile is planning to escape from prison that very night. He plans to help.

With a mac-and-cheese ruse, they get into the prison to stop the breakout, but once inside they hear “Prisoner Break Out!” and are trapped in the kitchen as prisoners and the evil crocodile appear. Just about now, you’re probably on the edge of your seat wondering: Can Zeb use his superpower to save the day? Will Zeb ever learn to fold napkins? Is there a dessert mac ‘n’ cheese waiting in the wings? You’ll just have to tuck into The (Not So) Superheroes to find out!

Swapna Haddow and Minky Stapleton’s new graphic novel series is joyful, silly, laugh-out-loud fun as the last three animals in an endless line of superpower hopefuls become fast friends, bonding over their less-than bestowments while using them to fulfill their remarkable destinies. Haddow’s spirited characters engage in hilarious banter and witty observations that will keep kids giggling as the trio accept (or in Zeb’s case, reject) their powers, squabbling and supporting each other the way good friends do. Her fast-paced plot, twists and turns, and amusing cast of secondary characters provide laughs and suspense on every page, keeping kids riveted to the story.

Minky Stapleton captures all the zany antics, fluctuating emotions, and high-stakes adventure of these newly branded superheroes in her comical illustrations that are jam-packed with humorous details, endearing facial expressions, and dynamic typography that has fun with superhero tropes. Readers can’t help but be charmed by Zeb, Barry, and Marge and become invested in their lives as superheroes.

Introducing the well-conceived The Terrible Trio series (mac ‘n’ cheese as a superpower? Inspired perfection!), The (Not So) Superheroes is freewheeling comedic fun that will captivate kids, including reluctant readers, from the first page and offers plenty of repeat reading rewards. Book Two in the series: The Day the Mac ‘n’ Cheese Ran Out releases on February 3, 2026.

Ages 7 – 10

Scholastic, 2025 | ISBN 978-1546182986

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, colorful, 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. You can 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 humor. 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.

Gift-Giving Season Activity

The (Not So) Superheroes: The Terrible Trio Activity Sheets

Kids can whip up lots of fun with the The (Not So) Superheroes activity sheets on author Swapna Haddow’s website. They’ll find sheets for discovering their superpower animal, character-drawing, coloring, and even Marge’s mac ‘n’ cheese recipe. Visit Swapna Haddow’s Fun Stuff page to download the activity pages!

You can purchase The (Not So) Superheroes: The Terrible Trio #1 from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

September 19 – Friendship Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Do you have friends you haven’t seen or talked to in a while? Is there someone new at work or school who could use a friend to show them the ropes or eat lunch with? If so, this month’s holiday gives you the opportunity to reach out and say hi. The holiday was instituted by the Oddfellows (shortened from The Grand United Order of Oddfellows Friendly Society (GUOOFS)), an international fraternity that dates back to 1730s England, with the hope of encouraging people to make friends. Friendship Month is a super time to show kindness to those friends you know and those you don’t—yet!

Kat & Mouse: I Like Cheese

By Salina Yoon

Every day Kat and Mouse meet for lunch. Every day Mouse brings “the BEST food there is: “CHEESE!,” while Kat mixes it up with a new kind of “delicious” or “spectacular” or “MEOW-velous” sandwich that she introduces with dramatic flair. Each day, Kat offers to let Mouse try some of her sandwich, but Mouse always declines, assuring her that he likes cheese.

One day, while lounging in the wading pool Kat has brought along to their noon-time meet-up, she asks Mouse, “Don’t you ever get bored with your lunch?” Mouse reminds her that he likes cheese, and then wonders: “But Kat, do you ever get bored with me?” After all, he reflects, “I always eat the same lunch, packed in my same lunchbox, and sit on the same log.”

Thinking about it, Kat decides that they “really are different” and suggests they eat separately the next day. With sadness they go their own ways. The next day finds Mouse on his log with a hunk of blue cheese. Kat has chosen to eat a hotdog under an umbrella attached to a rocking horse.

The day after that, Mouse and Kat meet and ask each other how their lunches were. Kat admits that eating lunch alone was “Awful.” Mouse concurs, revealing that his lunch was “gloomy and blue. Even my blue cheese tasted bluer than usual.” Kat regrets recommending the separation, apologizes, and declares that “some things should not change—like our friendship!”

Mouse is happy to resume their usual lunches, but acknowledges that “it’s ok to try new things, too.” Kat perks up. Did Mouse bring a NEW lunch? Indeed he did! In fact, he brought something they will both like. What does he call it? Join them for lunch and find out!

Salina Yoon’s latest early reader series introduces kids to a new besties duo that will steal young readers’ hearts. Sweet and funny, Yoon’s story plays out in dialogue, the back and forth indicated through pink speech bubbles for Kat and green bubbles for Mouse. Their straightforward conversations are humorously punctuated by cinematic-worthy full-page spreads that pop with superhero bursts, bright lights, and bold signage.

Repeated words and phrasing (including some of the ingredients to Kat’s sandwiches) flow smoothly and naturally throughout the story, giving emerging and new readers confidence and pleasure in reading independently. Kat and Mouse’s appreciation and love for each other is infectious, and small moments between them hint at the charming personality traits kids have to look forward to in future series titles.

Kicking off an endearing and enchanting new graphic early reader series, Kat & Mouse: I Like Cheese is sure to be a favorite on any young reader’s bookshelf and enjoy constant circulation at any library.

Ages 5 – 7

Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2025 | ISBN 978-1547612420

About the Author/Illustrator

Salina Yoon is an award-winning author-illustrator of nearly two hundred books for children, including Duck, Duck, Porcupine!, the Penguin series, the Bear and Floppy series, and Be a Friend. She studied art and design at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, and now lives in San Diego with her family. Visit her at salinayoon.com.

Friendship Day Activity

Give Me Your Hand! Puzzle

In this Give Me Your Hand! Puzzle, everyone is welcomed with a handshake. Offering friendship to all, the interchangeable pieces can be mixed and matched as the animals become buddies with one another.

Supplies

Printable colored Give Me Your Hand! Puzzle
Printable blank Give Me Your Hand! Puzzle
Colored pencils or crayons
Scissors
Heavy Stock paper (optional)
Poster board (optional)
Glue (optional)

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-UN-day-puzzle

Directions

Print the puzzle: to make the puzzle sturdier: Print on heavy stock paper or glue the page to poster board
Color the pictures with colored pencils or crayons
Cut the pieces apart
Switch the pieces around to make many alternate pictures

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-UN-day-puzzle

You can purchase Kat & Mouse: I Like Cheese! from these booksellers

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

Picture Book Review

October 24 – National Food Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Established in 2011 by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, National Food Day aims to raise awareness of nutrition issues and encourage people to “Eat Real.” Eating real means “cutting back on sugary drinks, overly salted packaged foods and fatty, factory-farmed meats in favor of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and sustainably raised protein.” Prominent food activists help people discover where they can find food that is healthy and affordable. Another goal is to promote food production that is mindful of the environment, farm animals, and farmers. The efforts of National Food Day continue year round and culminate on October 24 with special events.

Thanks to Astra Young Readers for sharing a copy of The Most Perfect Persimmon with me for review consideration. All opinions on the book are my own.

The Most Perfect Persimmon

By Hannah Chung

When Joo Hong gazed at the persimmons growing on the tree in her backyard, she saw the full moon, the glowing sun—perfection. She picked one, wanting to give it to her grandma, but her mother told her, Grandma’s visit was weeks away. Joo Hong wanted to taste that persimmon now, but when she took a bite, she discovered that the fruit wasn’t ripe yet. She decided to help the persimmon tree along by watering it, wrapping its trunk in a warm blanket on cool nights, and shooing away the magpies. At last they were ready.

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This time when Joo Hong tasted one, it was “shiny on the outside. Soft and sweet on the inside. They were so perfect!” Joo Hong couldn’t wait to serve them to Grandma. But she would have to. Grandma’s visit was still a week away. It was so hard for Joo Hong to wait. But the persimmons were not waiting. They “got redder and started to show wrinkles. Some even had brown spots.” Joo Hong was upset even though her mother tried to reassure her that they were just ripening. Joo Hong hid the boxes of fruit from the sun and kept her cat away, but “the persimmons kept changing.”

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By the time Grandma arrived, the persimmons “were no longer perfect.” Joo Hong held out her gift with tears in her eyes. “Grandma Gave Joo Hong a big, warm hug” then took the fruit, peeled the skin, and gave Joo Hong a spoon. Joo Hong tasted it. It was delicious! Grandma smiled. “‘A persimmon becomes a hongshi with lots of love and care over time,'” she said, then exclaimed it was the best persimmon she’d ever eaten. Joo Hong was so excited that she gave a persimmon to her cat and even to the magpie. Then she and her mother and Grandma set out a picnic on this perfect day and enjoyed hongshis all afternoon.

An Author’s Note reveals Hannah Chung’s homegrown inspiration for her story.

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In her delightful and poignant debut picture book, Hannah Chung captures all the emotions of a young child with a big heart planning a special surprise for a beloved family member. From Joo Hong’s impatience for Grandma to arrive to her determination to ensure the persimmons are perfectly ripe to her tangled feelings and disappointed tears when Grandma does arrive and Grandma’s tender reassurances, Chung hits all the right notes, creating a story that kids and adults will love sharing and bond over.

Chung’s easy-to-understand, straightforward storytelling flows naturally and at a quick pace while also allowing readers to empathize with Joo Hong’s anticipation. In her bright, uncluttered illustrations Joo Hong’s facial expressions clearly show her changing feelings and make it simple for even the youngest children to understand how important the persimmon and Grandma are to Joo Hong. The relationships between Joo Hong, her mother, and her grandmother are sweet and tenderly drawn.

A perfect read aloud for story times as well as for bedtime, The Most Perfect Persimmon is a book that will be asked for often and is highly recommended for home, public library, and school library bookshelves.

Ages 4 – 8

Astra Young Readers, 2024 | ISBN 978-1662620843

About the Author/Illustrator

Hannah Chung is an award-winning designer and entrepreneur in health care design for young patients. She is a frequent guest lecturer at universities and has presented at numerous conferences including TEDx and SXSW. Hannah spends her time both in Providence, Rhode Island, and Seoul, South Korea.

National Food Day Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-shop-the-farmers-market-maze-with-border

Shop the Farmers Market Maze

It’s a perfect day to visit the farmers market! Find your way through the stalls to enjoy all the delicious food!

Shop the Farmers Market Maze with no colored border | Shop the Farmers Market Maze with colored border

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-the-most-perfect-persimmon

You can purchase The Perfect Persimmon at these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop (to support your local independent bookstore)

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