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

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Picture Book Review

October 26 – National Pumpkin Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Autumn just wouldn’t be the same without pumpkin pie, pumpkin muffins, and pumpkin spice, and Halloween without jack-o-lanterns? Not nearly as fun! Even the seeds of these orange gourds we celebrate today are delicious with a little roasting. Whether you like pumpkins that are perfectly round or a little misshapen, small or behemoth, visit a pumpkin patch today and pick your perfect pumpkins!

Thanks to Hippo Park for sending me this book for review!

The Very Unusual Pumpkin

Written by Marilyn Singer | Illustrated by Maya Shleifer

Lulu loves her grandmother, but when it comes to telling stories, well . . . her grandma’s stories are a bit . . . lame. Take her latest, for instance. It was about a very ugly pumpkin that no one wanted to pick. Then someone did pick it and “turned it into a lovely pie. The end.” Lulu looked at her grandmother askance and decided “she needed to teach her how to tell good stories.” Lulu asked her grandmother to tell the pumpkin story again, only instead of just accepting that the pumpkin was ugly, Lulu asked what made it so. When Grandma fleshed out the pumpkin’s appearance a bit, Lulu thought it was more unusual than ugly.

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Maya Shleifer. Text copyright © 2026 by Marilyn Singer. Published by Hippo Park copyright © 2026.

Undeterred, Grandma added a fairy godmother and was ready to move on, but Lulu wanted to know more about her. Grandma dug deeper and imagined some magic that proved her powers. Once satisfied, Lulu allowed her to continue. The pumpkin, Grandma said “wished to be “perfectly round and glowingly orange.” The fairy godmother raised her wand to grant this wish and ensure the pumpkin would become a pie, but Lulu stopped the story right there. Was this the best they could do? Grandma suggested a few more ideas, but Lulu found them boring and derivative.

Instead, Lulu said the fairy godmother should turn the pumpkin into a little girl who goes to fairy godmother school to learn how to grant wishes to all her pumpkin friends. Now, Grandma was getting excited by all the possibilities and took over the storytelling. Her new world-building was creative and innovative and down-home cozy. Not only were Grandma’s future stories “‘very good stories . . . they were unusual!'”

Marilyn Singer channels her prodigious talent for writing “very good stories” into her latest warm and humorous tale that will swell the hearts of all readers. While her fun family story explores the nature of original storytelling, it also encourages kids to reject the expected or mundane in favor of an authentic and adventurous life. Grandma’s embrace of her imagination suggests it’s never too late to blossom. Singer’s close and trusting relationship between granddaughter and grandmother is endearing.

Maya Shleifer’s striking acrylic, watercolor, and paint marker illustrations brim with expression, from Lulu and Grandma’s interactions to the anthropomorphic pumpkin patch, to the pets and toys sprinkled throughout the pages. The brilliant pumpkins and foliage set against a black background are luminescent, and each pumpkin’s individuality bolsters Singer’s theme. As the story takes its dramatic turn, kids will love picking up on clothing and hair color for new characters.

An exceptional collaboration of storytelling and art, the heartwarming and humorous The Very Unusual Pumpkin is a book that kids will ask for again and again. It makes a perfect gift for or from a grandmother and is a must for all libraries.

Ages 4 – 8

Hippo Park, 2026 | ISBN 978-1662641015

About the Author

Winner of the 2015 NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry, as well as numerous other honors, Marilyn Singer is the author of more than 120 for children and young adults, including Mirror Mirror (Dial), I’m the Big One Now! (Wordsong) and six picture books about Tallulah, a young ballet student (Clarion). She likes to challenge herself by writing on many topics in many genres. Marilyn lives in Brooklyn, NY and Washington, CT with her husband, who’s also her favorite dance partner, and several pets. Visit her at marilynsinger.net.

About the Illustrator

Maya Shleifer is an illustrator, author, and designer who loves creating stories that bring laughter and joy to children. She has illustrated over 20 picture books, many of which have been translated and published internationally, reaching children in many countries. Her work has received international recognition and several awards. Visit her at mayashleifer.com.

National Pumpkin Day Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-rock-pumpkin-craft

Rock . . . Paint . . . Jack-O’-Lantern!

Make your own unusual pumpkin or jack-o’-lantern with rocks carefully chosen for their personality! You can create just one or a whole pumpkin patch!

Supplies

Round, smooth rock ( or rocks in a variety of sizes)
Orange craft paint, and other colors for a multi-hued pumpkin patch
Black permanent marker or black craft paint
Short sturdy twig (one for each rock)
Hot glue gun or strong glue
Paintbrush

Directions

Clean and dry the rock
Paint the rock, let dry
Draw or paint a jack-o’-lantern face on the rock, let dry
Glue the short twig to the top of the rock pumpkin

You can purchase The Very Unusual Pumpkin from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

October 6 – World Animal Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

We love animals, but do we take care of them the way we should? Today’s holiday came about as an expansion of World Animal Day, which is celebrated on October 4 every year and was established in 1925. The goal of World Animal Month is to promote global awareness of animals and the issues surrounding their welfare. From pets to domesticated animals to wild creatures, humans must protect and advocate for their companions and fellow travelers on this earth. Issues such as pollution, habitat destruction, and poaching threaten the world’s wide variety of species, while closer to home spaying and neutering controls the population of feral animals that often suffer from a lack of resources. The wildlife kingdom is majestic and awe-inspiring. There are many ways to celebrate the world’s animals this month: take a trip to a zoo, aquarium, or animal preserve, consider adopting a shelter animal, or donate your time or talents to your favorite animal cause.

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

This Is How to Spot Animals!

By Aline Portman | Translated by Laura Watkinson

As soon as story opens, Bear puts the kibosh on making any sound as he searches through his binoculars for a red-breasted goose. He’s perched on a rock, thermos by his side, overlooking four smaller rocks. As Bear keeps his laser focus on the view ahead of him, though, behind him a bird swoops into view, and a squirrel scampers around the rock. Below him one of those small “rocks” has begun to move. Oblivious, Bear says, “But today we’re out of luck. There’s nothing to see here.” Kids will want to shout, “Look behind you!” But they’ve already been shushed, so . . .

Text and illustration copyright © 2026 by Aline Portman. Translation copyright © 2026 by Laura Watkinson. Published by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers.

Still, it’ll be impossible for them to stifle the giggles as Bear assures kids that while “spotting animals isn’t easy, [he’s] very, very good at it.” Because at the same time, the squirrel is carrying away Bear’s thermos, the bird takes its place and a rabbit pops up from its hole to see what’s happening. Even the snail has reached higher heights. Here, Bear begins a primer on “how it’s done.” Now those giggles will erupt into uncontainable laughter as a boar, a fox, and more birds join the fray, while Bear opines,
“Never lose focus! If you do, you might miss something” while taking a quick snooze.

And when Bear does wake up? As the life-list red-breasted goose (indeed, an entire flock!) fly directly overhead, he’s spying something on the ground. When they come to earth, Bear’s looking skyward; and so it goes in the spirit of hilarious farce that young readers will howl at. These escalating antics are punctuated with Bear’s repeated refrain, “But today we’re out of luck. There’s nothing to see here.” Bear’s final piece of advice—to “use a good pair of binoculars”—leads to the ultimate irony that will elicit one last shout of help (and a laugh) from readers.

A game of “Did you spot these animals?” throughout the pages follows the story.

Starting off by adding the emphatic “This is” to the title (and even usurping author Aline Portman’s name on the cover), Bear takes authoritative possession of the action even as his obliviousness contradicts his claim of superior skill. Portman’s sly story employs clever text and hilarious illustrations that work in tandem while sporting surprises as well. Kids will gleefully accept Portman’s invitation to take lingering looks at every page and exuberantly refute Bear’s erroneous refrain.

A delightfully original story that invites uninhibited interaction and plenty of laughter, This Is How to Spot Animals! is a must for all library collections and will be an often-asked-for read aloud at home, in classrooms, and for any story time.

Ages 3 – 7

Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2026 | ISBN 978-0802856616

About the Author

Aline Portman started writing this book on the tram, where she was surrounded by people looking at their phones and missing out on the world around them. She developed the idea into This Is How to Spot Animals! and illustrated it with pencils, soft pastels, and markers. This book is Aline’s English-language debut. She lives in Ghent, Belgium. Follow her on Instagram @alineportman.

About the Translator

Laura Watkinson translates books for children and adults from Dutch, German, and Italian. Her translations have received numerous honors, including three Mildred L. Batchelder Awards, two Mildred L. Batchelder Honors, and the Vondel Translation Prize. She is the founder of the Dutch chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SBCWI). Laura lives in Amsterdam. Visit her website at laurawatkinson.com.

You can purchase This Is How to Spot Animals! from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

September 21 – World Gratitude Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

In 1965 an international gathering in Hawaii established World Gratitude Day as a time for people everywhere to formally appreciate and give thanks for all the wonderful things in the world. In 1966 the attendees celebrated World Gratitude Day on this date in their individual countries, beginning a tradition that has grown over time. The benefits of positive thinking have become well documented. The founders of Gratitude Day also recognized that by taking a day to celebrate the amazing parts of our lives we might become happier, more content people.

Thank you to Margaret K. McElderry Books for sending me this book for review!

It’s Almost Time for . . . Thanksgiving!

Written by Maisha Oso | Illustrated by Tom Knight

Once October rolls around, the holidays come in quick succession, each with their own particular decorations, activities, food, and fun! How do you keep each one special and distinct for your kids? Maisha Oso has the answer with her It’s Almost Time for . . . series of books for holidays we love to share with our family and friends. Her newest book gets kids excited about transitioning from Halloween to Thanksgiving, as they help a Mom and Dad, big brother and little sister spruce up their farm, replacing skeletons and jack-o-lanterns with hay bales, pumpkins, and festive wreaths as their horses, turkeys, and the boy’s little lamb try to help.

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Tom Knight. Text copyright © 2026 by Maisa Oso. Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books.

Then it’s on to planning the menu. Everyone can agree on “mac n’ cheese, potatoes, peas,” and, of course, turkey, but maybe not so much on the doughnuts. Fortunately, the crisp autumn air beckons with an invitation for an impromptu game of football in the yard with the whole family. Soon, the big day arrives, and the kitchen is bustling—kids included. With the turkey finally in the oven, it’s time to relax and watch the grand parade on TV with floats, bands, dancers, and confetti. Next, with delicious aromas wafting through the house and grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends arriving, it’s time for dinner and remembering “why you’re filled with gratitude” on this special day. Yes, “spending time with those you love / makes this a life worth living. / You’re belly’s stuffed? You’ve had enough? / Today must be . . . “

Waiiiit . . . What? That was unexpected! With the turn of the page, Oso upends the story in hilarious fashion. But were there clues all along? Alert kids may have been watching the boy’s constant companion who’s embraced all the traditions of Thanksgiving but interpreted them in his own endearing way. Oso lovingly gets things back on track, though, as the boy explains the holiday to his little friend and the whole crew gather for a picture to commemorate another Thanksgiving!

Maisha Oso’s jaunty, rhyming celebration of Thanksgiving welcomes young readers to join in on all the fun of fall and this family holiday while infusing the preparations and dinner with humor, and surprises. Readers will be delighted to point out their own familiar traditions and are sure to giggle at Lamb’s enthusiasm for a spring holiday. Oso’s final rhyme will have kids and adults happily chiming in.

Tom Knight invites readers to a tidy pink farmhouse where the kids are eager to help, the food is home-grown, and doughnuts are in the pantry but, sadly, not on the menu, as the family prepares for Thanksgiving. Humor abounds in Knight’s depictions of Oso’s puns and the lamb’s contributions to the celebration. Heartwarming images of the family gathered around the table and thinking what they’re grateful for can prompt children to share their thoughts.

A charming and heartening way to introduce Thanksgiving traditions to the youngest children while renewing excitement for the holiday with older kids, It’s Almost Time for . . . Thanksgiving! is a picture book with surprises that will entertain the whole family.

Don’t miss Maisha Oso and Tom Knight’s It’s Almost Time for . . . Christmas!, their upcoming It’s Almost Time for . . . St. Patrick’s Day!, It’s Almost Time for . . . Easter!, and It’s Almost Time for . . . Halloween!

Ages 4 – 8

Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2026 | ISBN 979-8347108015

About the Author

Maisha Oso is the author of picture books Buster the Bully, My Hair Is a Book, Before the Ships, and the It’s Almost Time For… series, as well as the Venus Washington chapter book series. She writes stories to empower, entertain, and encourage emotional intelligence in young children. A former strategy and analytics professional from New York City, Maisha is currently working in her most challenging role to date: a stay-at-home mom of three tiny humans. You can visit her at MaishaOso.com and follow her on Instagram.

About the Illustrator

After an enjoyable stint as a graphic designer, Tom Knight is now proud to be using his imagination as a full-time career. Drawing on a long and abiding love of imagery from children’s literature, Tom has worked for a diverse range of publishers, including Little Tiger Press, Templar, Simon & Schuster, Scholastic, and Macmillan. He has also turned his hand to authoring his own titles and is the author and illustrator for the Good Knight, Bad Knight chapter book series and picture book Jimmy Finnigan’s Wild Wood Band. He does all this from a poorly temperature-controlled studio in the garden, where he is constantly distracted by the greedy birds that hang out by the feeder outside his window. Follow him on Instagram.

World Gratitude Day Activity

I’m Thankful For . . . Activity Page

Get the kids—or the whole family—together to write or draw what you’re thankful for with this I’m Thankful For . . . Activity Page!

You can purchase It’s Almost Time for . . . Thanksgiving! from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

September 16 – Chef Appreciation Week

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Chef Appreciation Week was established in 2013 by Donald and Lisa Crutch to encourage people to offer their appreciation for all the dedication and hard work shown by those who work in the culinary industry as well as home chefs. Every year the week is celebrated with the theme “Great People Inspire Great Food!” Today, the holiday has grown to be the largest global recognition of chefs and culinarians, celebrated across the United States and in more than 30 countries around the world. As today’s book demonstrates, even the youngest chefs can come up with new and creative recipes.

Thanks to Scholastic Press for sending me this book for review!

How Not to Make a Jelly Sandwich

By Ross Burach

As kids open the book to the first page, Frankie immediately welcomes them with a simple, five-step recipe for making a jelly sandwich. Sounds yummy, and the sandwich begins where you might imagine—with two slices of bread. Easy-peasy, right? Well, at the store, Frankie passes up the wrapped-bread and instead recommends buying a traffic cone and two pool accessories as a way to procure your slices. Then it’s just a quick trip to a duck pond, some clever impersonations, and a generous granny with bread to share, and you’re well on your way to that first delicious bite!

Step 2, of course, involves the jelly. As everyone knows “opening a jar of jelly is very straightforward.” All you need to do is find an elephant, lure it to a playground, “kindly ask it to sit on the whirly-go-round and tightly grip the jar” in its trunk while you hang from the monkey bars and hold onto the lid as the elephant spins round and round. Hear that familiar “Pop!”? You’re moving on to Step 3: Applying the Jelly, which, as you know, “is super simple.” In fact, you may even have all the required components in your house already! Got a dog, a bathtub, some bubbly soap? You’re good to go!

With two jellied-up slices of bread, you’re in the home stretch. All you’re going to need is basic coordination. You know, the type needed to “organize a joust” between well-matched knights who can “smush” those slices together in style. Finally, the “least complicated step of all”: cutting your sandwich. Sure, you’ll need a little help—I mean helper—but with a bit of training and the right enticement, you’ll be eating that jelly sandwich in . . . well . . . Just make sure you’ve made plenty for all your new friends.

Following the story, Ross Burach gives readers a glimpse into Frankie’s alternate brainstorm for making a jelly sandwich and then invites them to write their own silly steps.

In his latest book, Ross Burach takes on sequential writing with laugh-out-loud silliness that will spark kids’ creativity while showing them that there are as many ways to complete tasks as there are people to devise of them. As he sets up each step, readers may think they know what’s coming next, but Burach serves up plenty of surprise ingredients that will keep kids and adults giggling. Burach’s hilarious illustrations are full of hijinks and puns, and alert readers will be happy to spy guest appearances from some of his other books.

Sweet fun for delicious read aloud story times, How Not to Make a Jelly Sandwich will quickly become a favorite treat, requested again and again from libraries and home bookshelves.

Ages 4 – 8

Scholastic, 2026 | ISBN 978-1338877090

Ross Burach is the creator of the riotously funny Very Impatient Caterpillar series that includes The Very Impatient Caterpillar; The Little Butterfly That Could; Goodnight, Butterfly; and Make Way for Butterfly. All the books combine humor with curriculum-friendly science topics and relatable social-emotional themes. Ross’s other acclaimed books include the picture book Truck Full of Ducks, the board books I Love My Tutu Too!, Potty All-Star, Hi-Five Farm!, and Hi-Five Animals!, named the best board book of the year by Parents Magazine, and the Acorn early reader series Bumble and Bee. He also illustrated Audrey Perrott’s Moo Hoo and Baa Haa. His most recent title is How NOT to Make a Jelly Sandwich. Ross lives with his family in Brooklyn, New York. You can visit him online at rossburach.com.

Chef Appreciation Week Activity

How Not to Make a Jelly Sandwich Activity Pages

Kids can have fun building their dream sandwich and writing their own sequential list on How Not to Brush Your Teeth with these creative activity pages from Ross Burach and Scholastic!

You can purchase How Not to Make a Jelly Sandwich from these booksellers

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Picture Book Review

September 7 – Buy a Book Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Today is one of the best days of the year! Anyone who loves books will want to take the opportunity of the holiday to visit their favorite bookstore and buy one of those books you’ve been hearing and reading about. And why stop at just one? Winter is coming—that time when nothing feels better than snuggling into a cozy reading spot with a cup of tea or hot chocolate and reading the day (or night) away. As the school year begins, children benefit from having new books in their home libraries that reflect their changing interests, maturing thoughts. Take a little time to look through the children’s or tween sections of the bookstore and let your kids pick out some new favorites! Yes, today is a wonderful day, no bones about it!

Thank you to Hippo Park for sending me this book for review!

A Not-So-Scary Story

By Barney Saltzberg

Little Mouse hears something in the middle of the night and wakes up. Could it have been Big Mouse’s snoring? Little Mouse doesn’t know what woke him—just that he’s scared. He’s also wary of the dark since he usually sleeps through it. When Big Mouse seems to dive out of sight, Little Mouse begs him not to leave, but Big Mouse is just retrieving a flashlight. Ahhh, that’s better! Big Mouse then offers to tell Little Mouse a story, and Little Mouse is eager to hear it.

The story starts in the usual way, but then—with mood lighting courtesy of the flashlight—there’s an unidentifiable “THUMP!” and Little Mouse scurries under his blanket. The THUMPs come closer, and Little Mouse tells his friend he’s scaring him. Still, Little Mouse remains peeking out from his blanket to listen. Big Mouse gets to the big reveal, “Guess what it was?” Sensing an opportunity to change the story, Little Mouse shouts out the cutest thing he can imagine, and as Big Mouse tries to steer the story back on track, Little Mouse adds “butterfly wings” and “fluffy pink clouds.”

But you know how quickly the weather can turn, and Big Mouse fills the room with bone-rattling “BOOMs” and “CRACKLEs.” The two parry, until Little Mouse reveals that he doesn’t like being scared. Big Mouse has never heard of such a thing, and Little Mouse says he didn’t know “that being scared was something to like.” Now that he’s aware, Little Mouse is ready to get back to the story and even adds a few frightening elements of his own. Little Mouse is warming up to this new entertainment when suddenly a towering, green interloper appears from where the flashlight came from, putting Little Mouse’s new-found bravery to the test.

Barney Salzberg’s follow up to A Delicious Story reunites Big Mouse and Little Mouse in this endearing conversational story that rolls out with realistic cadence and timing that will have young readers simultaneously on the edge of their seat and giggling at Little Mouse’s playful interjections. Saltzberg’s reveal midway through explains Big Mouse’s counterintuitive response to Little Mouse’s fear while gently introducing ideas of trying new things, communicating, and appreciating alternate perspectives.

Saltzberg’s minimalist illustrations bring readers right into the room with Big Mouse and Little Mouse, immersing them in their creative back-and-forth to experience all of the friendship, chills, and humor of the story. The flashlight beam might even be considered a third character, highlighting, as it does, the action, emotions, and surprises in store. Saltzberg cleverly used the book’s gutter to add another dimension to this adorable tale.

Charming, and thoughtful, A Not-So-Scary Story is sure to become a favorite for lively and imaginative interactive read-alouds at home, in the classroom, and for library story times.

Ages 3 – 6

Hippo Park, 2026 | ISBN 978-1662640858

About the Author

Barney Saltzberg is the author of more than 50 books for children, including the best-selling Touch and Feel Kisses series, Beautiful Oops!, My Book of Beautiful Oops!, and Hippo Park’s A Delicious Story. Additionally, he’s recorded four albums of songs for children. His books have won numerous awards, including NAPPA Gold Awards, and received multiple starred reviews. Most recently, Melinda Gates chose Beautiful Oops! as one of her top three books every child should read. Visit him at barneysaltsberg.com.

Buy a Book Day Activity

Sing Along with Barney Salzberg!

Join Author and illustrator Barney Saltzberg in this rollicking, not-so-scary sing along!

You can purchase A Not-So-Scary Story from these booksellers

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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

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Love, Panda Activity Pages

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