Humor

December 13 – It’s Gift-Giving Season

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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.

Illustration © 2025 Minky Stapleton. Text © 2025 Swapna Haddow. Courtesy of Scholastic.

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).

Illustration © 2025 Minky Stapleton. Text © 2025 Swapna Haddow. Courtesy of Scholastic

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!

Illustration © 2025 Minky Stapleton. Text © 2025 Swapna Haddow. Courtesy of Scholastic.

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 30 – National Pet Tricks Day

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About the Holiday

National Pet Tricks Day was established in 2020 by professional dog trainer Joe Nutkins of Ardleigh, Essex, in the UK. Nutkins loves connecting with dogs and other animals by spending time with them teaching them tricks. Nutkins has enjoyed success and and even a bit of celebrity—appearing on Britain’s Got Talent in 2029 and 2023—with her expertly trained pets, including dogs, cats, hamsters, parrots, and even ducks and chickens. To celebrate today, why not begin spending some encouraging and fun one-on-one time each day to teach your pet a special art. And, of course, don’t forget the treats!

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

Henry Is an Artist

By Justin Worsley

 

Many dogs know tricks, but Henry has a calling. “Henry is an artist.” Each day when he goes for a walk, Henry admires the street art he passes, “but sculpture is his real passion.” Henry is no stranger to the creative impulse, every day producing a new, unique sculpture of his own. Even though Henry “is proud of his work,” it is not universally embraced. In fact, its public impact is fleeting and usually trashed.

Text and Illustration © 2025 by Justin Worsley. Courtesy of Flamingo Books.

One day, however, in a moment of distraction, Henry’s creation is left behind. Left behind, but not disregarded. “Someone has fallen in love with his artwork.” The tiny bug flies off to “tell all their friends.” The news travels fast, and soon “Henry’s sculpture is a sensation!”

Henry’s sculpture is so valued, in fact, that the bugs carefully transport it to a place of honor. Henry is invited to view its new home: “the grand lobby of the Bug Hotel!” He’s hailed as a celebrity, and returns home a very happy pup, indeed.

Text and Illustration © 2025 by Justin Worsley. Courtesy of Flamingo Books.

Funny, thought-provoking, and an ode to all the unsung creatives among us, Justin Worsley’s story makes readers laugh while encouraging them to find inspiration in the most unlikely places.

Worsley’s delightfully smart and inventive illustrations endear Henry to kids as he walks through the park admiring the public sculptures and trying to install his own. Henry’s facial expressions as he interacts with his owner, the reactions of other dogs, and the appreciative reception of an observant toddler and bug community all add depth to the story.

Henry Is an Artist would be a fun and often-requested addition to home, classroom, and public libraries. Its short sentences make it a perfect choice for new and beginning readers to read or grow with on their own.

Ages 4 – 8

Flamingo Books, 2025 | ISBN 978-0593695043

About the Author/Illustrator

Justin Worsley is an illustrator, author, and toy designer. After nearly thirty years of designing toys, he decided it was time for a change and followed his long-held dream of becoming a children’s book illustrator and graduated from Cambridge School of Art in 2023. When he’s not working, he’s usually riding his bike or walking his dog, Percy.

National Pet Tricks Day Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-paw-print-magnet-smaller

Paw Print Magnet

 

Your pet’s paw print makes a cute magnet for your fridge or locker to give you a paw…I mean hand… holding those important messages and pictures. Here’s how to do this easy craft with your dog or cat.

Supplies

  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup salt
  • 1/4 cup water
  • Cookie cutter (optional)
  • Bowl
  • Wax paper
  • Strong multi-surface glue or hot glue gun
  • Strong magnet, available at craft stores
  • Paint (optional)

Directions

  1. Mix the flour and salt in the bowl
  2. Slowly add the water and mix the dough, kneading it until it is smooth and soft. Add more water if necessary.
  3. Roll out the dough until it is about 1/4 – 1/2 inch thick
  4. Place the dough on the wax paper
  5. Carefully press your pet’s paw into the dough. 
  6. Place the cookie cutter over the print and cut out 
  7. Bake the paw print at 250 degrees for 1 to 2 hours depending on thickness of dough
  8. If desired, paint the print, the background, or both
  9. Attach the magnet with the glue
  10. Display your magnet

You can purchase Henry Is an Artist from these booksellers

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

Picture Book Review

September 25 – National Open the Magic Day

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About the Holiday

Created in 2021 by Courtney Hinshaw, a book lover, former teacher, and founder of Ramona Recommends, National Open The Magic Day honors the magic of reading aloud—especially reading picture books. As a child, Courtney faced struggles with dyslexia and auditory processing disorder, and while reading didn’t come easily, picture books gave her much joy and comfort. By establishing this holiday, her goal is to help more children feel confident with books, especially those who find reading hard.

Picture books aren’t just for the youngest readers, either! With their mix of story and illustrations, this creative masterpieces can open new worlds and a world of reading for children of any age—and even adults! To celebrate today, share picture books you loved as a child and your kids’s faves too! To learn more about the holiday and Courtney Hinshaw’s work with reading and literacy, visit Ramona Recommends and check out her blog post for National Open the Magic Day.

Thank you to Bloomsbury Children’s Books for gifting me a copy of this book for review!

Zombie and Brain Are Friends

Written by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic | Illustrated by Laan Cham

 

Zeb’s “family raised brains. Grain-fed, free-range brains.” In fact, anyone who bought their brains at the farmers market would tell you they were “the best brains in the entire county.” One Saturday, while Zeb worked among the crop, a baby brain snapped off its stem and bounced right into his hands. Zeb was smitten by how pink and squishy and adorable it was. Zeb decided to call him Brian and promised he’d take care of him. Brian snuggled close and “buzzed with delight.”

Illustration © 2025 by Laan Cham. Text © 2025 by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic. Courtesy of Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

Zeb’s parents were much less enthusiastic and reminded Zeb: “‘Brains are food, NOT pets.'” Over the next few days Zeb and Brian did everything they could to change his parents’ minds. Finally they relented. Zeb was a fabulous caretaker, providing Brian with the best brain food, the most puzzling exercises, and always ensuring he never suffered brain freeze on chilly nights.

Illustration © 2025 by Laan Cham. Text © 2025 by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic. Courtesy of Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

When Zeb woke one night to find Brian gone then spied him on the kitchen table and heard his dad say he was “going to make him a midnight snack,” Zeb was terrified. He snuck into the kitchen, grabbed Brian, and ran as fast as he could to a faraway field where brains roamed wild. After a tearful farewell, Zeb returned home, but it just felt empty. When his parents asked where Brian was and Zeb told them, he learned that his dad had been making a snack for Brian, not out of Brian.

The family scoured the neighborhood, but Brian was nowhere to be found. Then one morning as Zeb did his chores, he felt Brian at his heel. He had found his way home himself! Now their home—and their hearts—were full once more.

Illustration © 2025 by Laan Cham. Text © 2025 by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic. Courtesy of Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

With its inspired take on E. B. White’s Charlotte’s Web, surprising friendship, and sweet tug on the heart, Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic’s Zombie and Brain Are Friends is a picture book for the whole family to read together. Loaded with delicious puns, wordplay, laugh-out-loud moments (as when Zeb tries a favorite pet owner’s ploy to entice Brian home), and even a couple of tear-jerking scenes, this heartwarming story is one kids and adults will want to share again and again.

Whether they’re shepherding their flock of brains on a hillside, selling their wares at a farmers market, or adjusting to a new pet in the house, Laan Cham’s delightful zombie family is relatable and loving. Pink, squishy Brian is a dear, and watching his and Zeb’s friendship blossom over fish dinners, puzzles, and outdoor play will squeeze your heart. Cham paints Zeb’s selfless act to save Brian with a broad brush of suspense and emotion, making the ending all the sweeter.

Full of heart, soul, and brains, Zombie and Brain Are Friends will appeal to all readers. It would be a well-loved addition to any home bookshelf and is a must for all library collections.

Ages 4 – 8

Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2025 | ISBN 978-1547613625

About the Author

Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic is the author of The End of Something Wonderful; Hello, Star; The League of Picky Eaters; What is Hope; and Hummingbird Season. She writes books in the San Francisco Bay Area surrounded by a few kids, a few cats, and one husband. Visit her at stephanielucianovic.com and on Instagram @grubreport.

About the Illustrator

Laan Cham is a wandering dreamer with a BIG imagination who enjoys all things cute, random, and a little bit strange. (Because the best things in life are kind of out there.) She aims to spread joy through her stories and illustrations by encapsulating all the things she loves. Laan’s picture books include Somewhere in Between and Mao Mao’s Perfectly Imperfect Day. Visit her at laancham.com and on Instagram @laan.cham.

National Open the Magic Day Activity

Reading is Magic! Puzzle

 

Reading every day makes life magical! Print this Reading is Magic! puzzle to help these kids find a book they’ll love!

You can purchase Zombie and Brain Are Friends from these booksellers

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

Picture Book Review

September 19 – Friendship Month

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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. 

Text and illustration © 2025 by Salina Yoon. Courtesy of Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

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.

Text and illustration © 2025 by Salina Yoon. Courtesy of Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

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!

Text and illustration © 2025 by Salina Yoon. Courtesy of Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

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

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-give-me-your-hand-puzzle

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

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

Directions

  1. Print the puzzle: to make the puzzle sturdier: Print on heavy stock paper or glue the page to poster board
  2. Color the pictures with colored pencils or crayons
  3. Cut the pieces apart
  4. 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

August 26 – National Dog Day

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About the Holiday

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

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

Written by Sara Levine | Illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman

 

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

Illustration © 2025 by Suzanne Kaufman. Text © 2025 by Sara Levine. Courtesy of Roaring Brook Press.

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

Illustration © 2025 by Suzanne Kaufman. Text © 2025 by Sara Levine. Courtesy of Roaring Brook Press.

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

Illustration © 2025 by Suzanne Kaufman. Text © 2025 by Sara Levine. Courtesy of Roaring Brook Press.

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

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

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

Ages 4 – 8

Roaring Brook Press, 2025 | ISBN 978-1250797025

About the Author

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

About the Illustrator

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

National Dog Day Activity

Find a Friend Matching Puzzle

 

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

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

You can purchase Hello Dog / Hello Human from these booksellers

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

Picture Book Review

August 4 – Back to School Month

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About the Holiday

It may seem like summer vacation just began, but the signs of a new school year are already appearing everywhere. The stores are stocked with clothes, supplies, and plenty of gear to make the new school year the best ever. But all the “stuff” is just part of getting ready for school. Kids are looking forward—eagerly or maybe with a little trepidation—to making new friends, having new teachers, and exploring new subjects and ideas. Preparing kids for all aspects of a new school year easier and more exciting is what National Back to School Month is all about!

Thanks to Orchard Books/Scholastic for sharing a digital copy of this book with me!

To Catch a Ghost

By Rachel Michelle Wilson

 

At the bus stop, the new girl is noticed right away by a classmate who quickly introduces her to how seriously the kids take show and tell by using Drew—”the only kid who brought nothing last time”—as a cautionary tale. Sam, determined not to suffer Drew’s fate, first signs up to bring “cool rocks” then her “pet brother” and finally a “GHOST.” Sam acknowledges that catching a ghost takes “gumption,” but she has a plan and creates a primer for anyone else who would like to catch their own ghost.

Text and illustration © 2025 by Rachel Michelle Wilson. Courtesy of Orchard Books.

In Part 1: Find, Sam reveals that you must search everywhere and shows how she looked all around at home, in her treehouse, even on the playground—until there, right in front of her, she found her ghost. While finding the ghost was tricky, Part 2: Observe explains that catching it is trickier. Sam explains that the best way to lure a ghost into a trap is to get to know their personality and preferences by spending time with them. When she did this, she says, she discovered a few helpful facts about her mischievous old soul that ultimately led to its capture.

Text and illustration © 2025 by Rachel Michelle Wilson. Courtesy of Orchard Books.

Which brings Sam to Part 3: Catch. She demonstrates how to build “the perfect ghost trap,” how to work quickly and without hesitation when the ghost enters the trap, and posits that “there’s a good reason you need to catch your ghost.” But then the ghost peers through the bars, and Sam has a change of heart. She removes the lock and sheds some tears, knowing she won’t have something extraordinary to share at Show and Tell on Friday. 

But then Sam notices something and realizes what a “good ghost” she had caught. All along it had her back. Show and Tell is a rousing success, and friendships follow—one you might not even see coming!

Text and illustration © 2025 by Rachel Michelle Wilson. Courtesy of Orchard Books.

Inventive and endearing, Rachel Michelle Wilson’s To Catch a Ghost will enchant children, whose imaginations often run to such whimsical fancies in concrete ways. The consequences of a poor Show and Tell performance increase the story’s suspense as well as the magnitude of Sam’s ultimate decision, a twist that can lead to discussions about true friendship, doing the right thing for others, and listening to your heart. With her GoPro ready and her determined expression, Sam is a worthy competitor on the chase but also an empathetic and caring friend that readers will embrace.

Delightfully offbeat with lots of read-again appeal, To Catch a Ghost is a spirited and thoughtful story that’s a top pick for home, school, and library collections.

Ages 4 – 8 

Orchard Books, 2025 | ISBN 978-1339031958

About the Author

Rachel Michelle Wilson is a children’s book author-illustrator with a sweet tooth and a dash of sass. When Rachel is not making books, you can find her paddle boarding across a lake, puzzling over a logic problem, or hosting a living room dance party. Visit her at rachelmichelewilson.com.

Back to School Month Activity

To Catch a Ghost Puzzles and Activity Guide for Teachers and Caregivers

 

Kids can have fun solving the two puzzles in these To Catch a Ghost Fun Pages while teachers, homeschoolers, librarians, and caregivers will appreciate the full Activity Guide that provides questions and activities based on Bloom’s Taxonomy and follow Common Core Standards. You’ll find printable games like Book Chat Bingo, prompts that help children write their own story, creative drawing and imagining activities, and more. Rachel Michelle Wilson even invites kids to send the story they write to her!

To Catch a Ghost Puzzle Pages | To Catch a Ghost Activity Guide

You can purchase To Catch a Ghost from these booksellers

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

Picture Book Reviews

July 22 – Wild about Wildlife Month

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About the Holiday

Wild about Wildlife Month may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy all that nature has to offer the rest of the summer and all year long. Exploring parks, woodlands, grassy fields, or the shores of lakes, rivers, or the ocean is a fun and educational family activity that’s different each time you visit. Whether you and your kids like plants, animals, insects, or the rocks that hold everything together, a nature walk provides something for everyone. The best way to enjoy the outdoors is with a relaxed pace that lets you decompress, take it all in, and say “Ahhh!” 

Thank you to G. P. Putnam’s Sons for sending me a copy of this book for review!

Polecat Has a Superpower

Written by Jill Esbaum | Illustrated by Bob Shea

 

A spotted skunk, aka Polecat, sits front and center, backlit by a sunset glow, promising to reveal his “DOOZY of a superpower”—but only after divulging all the other relevant information about himself. Things like why he chooses to live in a very particular place while being not that particular about where he lives; when polecats hunt for food, and how they’re “always, always alert for hungry predators.” It’s at this moment when the word “predators” hangs ominously in the air that Porcupine “SPROINGS” into view, frightened by the prospect of being eaten, and mistakes Polecat for a baby skunk.

illustration © 2025 by Bob Shea, text © 2025 by Jill Esbaum. Courtesy of G. P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers.

Polecat is not too pleased and goes on to show just how many things spotted skunks can do that their striped cousins can’t. Things like climbing quickly and sporting camouflaging spots. Porcupine is just warming up to this unusual interloper when Polecat chomps down a cricket, goes on to provide a full menu of foods that would satisfy its munchies, and then demonstrates how he prepares a caterpillar for “yumminny-yum-yum” fine dining. Trying hard not to be sick, Porcupine pleads, “Tell me that isn’t your superpower.” 

Reassured that it is not, Porcupine hints at knowing what Polecat’s superpower is. “Bet you don’t,” Polecat answers. The two creep farther into the woods where they spy a gathering of predators attending a program titled “How to Eat a Polecat” while enjoying a variety of snacks. Polecat is just about to disclose his “great trick to discourage enemies” when Porcupine blurts it out. Upset, Polecat blurts out what he thinks Porcupine’s defense is, but instead ends up getting an education about his spiky friend.

illustration © 2025 by Bob Shea, text © 2025 by Jill Esbaum. Courtesy of G. P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers.

Finally, Polecat is ready to demonstrate his real superpower—”something nobody else does, not even my stripy cousins.” Porcupine happily volunteers to assist in the show only to run away screaming when he gets the surprise of his life. Polecat’s glad his superpower is so powerful, but he was hoping he and Porcupine could be friends. Porcupine’s ready to “hug it out”—but Polecat? Maybe a high five will do just as well.

A True or False? quiz about spotted skunks, with answers and explanations, follows the story.

illustration © 2025 by Bob Shea, text © 2025 by Jill Esbaum. Courtesy of G. P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers.

Polecat Has a Superpower, Jill Esbaum’s third book in this entertaining and educational series, sparkles with humor and smart repartee that keeps kids on the edge of their seats for the big reveal. Along the way, readers learn about the unusual spotted skunk and a few surprising tidbits about porcupines, while getting a grasp on some scientific terms as well.

Bob Shea realistically recreates the appearance of a spotted skunk and porcupine while infusing each with personalities that will hook kids. Porcupine’s facial expressions will endear him to young readers, who are also eager to know what Polecat’s secret is. Shea’s nighttime conclave of predators will have kids giggling, and the disclosure of Polecat’s superpower is sure to have them screaming along with Porcupine (but in delight, not fear).

Polecat Has a Superpower is a high-interest book that will be a much-asked-for addition to any home, classroom, and library collection. 

Ages 5 – 8

G. P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, 2025 | ISBN 978-0593699997

Check out the other books in the series!

About the Author

Jill Esbaum has written many books for children, including How to Grow a Dinosaur, Frankenbunny, and If a T. Rex Crashes Your Birthday Party. Several of her books have been nominated for state awards, and I Am Cow, Hear Me Moo! won SCBWI’s Crystal Kite Award. She also enjoys writing kooky beginning reader stories like Thunder and Cluck, as well as a variety of nonfiction books. Visit her at jillesbaum.com and follow her on Twitter/X @JEsbaum.

About the Illustrator

Bob Shea is an award-winning author and illustrator of children’s books, including the popular Ballet Cat series, the Dinosaur Vs. series, and the runaway smash hit Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great. He is an Eisner Award nominee and has worked with Comedy Central, PBS Kids, Playhouse Disney, Nick Jr., Google, and other clients. Visit him at bobshea.com and follow him on Instagram @BobSheaBooks.

Wild about Wildlife Month Activity

Eastern Spotted Skunk Coloring Page

 

If you’re kids are wild about wildlife, they’ll be wild about this Eastern Spotted Skunk Coloring Page! You can find many more educational Critter Sheets and Coloring Pages on the Florida State Parks website.

You can purchase Polecat Has a Superpower at these booksellers

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

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