October 26 – National Pumpkin Day

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 2 – National Book Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

October may be book lovers’ favorite month of the year! Why? It’s National Book Month! This holiday was established to get everyone excited about reading. As the weather turns cooler and more indoor activities take center stage, reading together becomes a wonderful way to spend time having fun and making memories. Children of all ages love being read to, and when older siblings read to younger brothers and sisters, they can bond over favorite stories and make each story time an event. Whether you’re reading board books, picture books, or novels with your kids, you’re making memories that will last a lifetime!

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

Flutter, Flap, Fly!

Written by Ellen Mayer | Illustrated by Estelle Corke

As Teo arrives at the playground, riding on his father’s shoulders, he spots two birds flying nearby. One is “‘. . . soaring. See how it is flying straight up into the sky?’ says Papi.” The other is “‘swooping . . . straight down very fast.'” Teo thinks it would be fun to soar and swoop too. Near the playground equipment, Teo and Papi watch a bird bathing in a puddle, and Teo giggles while imitating it. An older girl and boy in a tower on the play system notice and invite Teo to play with them, pretending to be birds in a tree. “‘Come fly with us. Flap, Flap!'”

Illustrations by Estelle Corke, © Star Bright Books. Text copyright © by Ellen Mayer. Published by Star Bright Books copyright © 2026.

Teo feels too small to climb high, so he perches on a lower level, where the girl and boy invite him to be their baby bird and peck for seeds. Soon Teo’s ready to hop up higher to their nest. Papi says, “‘Look at you three snuggling together. Snuggle! Snuggle! Snuggle!'” When Teo’s other father arrives, it’s time to go to the grocery store. Now, after playing with the older kids, Teo is ready to “‘leave the nest'” and “‘Flap [his] wings and fly. Teo is proud to show how he can “‘soar'” up the steps and “‘swoop'” down the slide!'”

A Note for Parents, Grandparents, and Caregivers by Dr. Kori Bardige, an Early Education Specialist, follows the text and coveys the positive effects that engaging children in frequent conversations, creative activities, and pretend play has on vocabulary growth and language skills. A You Can Do This Too! paragraph gives adults specific ways they can use this book as a springboard for play and learning as well as encouragement for “becoming a partner in learning” with their child.

Ellen Mayer’s cheerful and lively storytelling always brings a smile as her characters encourage and support each other to branch out of their comfort zone in their own time while engaging in playful activities that foster camaraderie and self-confidence. In her series of Small Talk Books®, Mayer’s dialogue-rich text models the types of conversations that adults can have with children to promote natural language learning and understanding. Her inclusion of the two older children demonstrates the important impact that older siblings and friend groups as well as adult caregivers can have on the socialization and language development of younger children.

Estelle Corke’s bright and expressive illustrations will captivate kids as they watch adorable Teo at the playground having fun pretending to be a bird with two new friends. Corke’s animated images of Teo and the other children fluttering, soaring, and swooping will inspire young readers to join in with their own pretend play. Kids will enjoy keeping an eye out for the birds flying, perching, and nesting throughout the pages.

Bursting with imagination and animated conversations that will pique kids’ inquisitive nature while nurturing their language development, Flutter, Flap, Fly! will enhance any library collection and would be a favorite for repeat reading at home and in the classroom.

Ages 3 – 6

Star Bright Books, 2026 | ISBN 978-1649091000

About the Author

Ellen Mayer is an award-winning children’s author who has worked as an education researcher and early literacy home visitor. Her Small Talk Books® series with Star Bright Books features diverse families in engaging stories that highlight two aspects of early childhood education with engaging stories: early language development and early math development. Titles in the series that focus on language development include board books Twinkle, Twinkle, Diaper You!, Red Socks, and A Fish to Feed, as well as picture books Cake Day and Rosa’s Very Big Job. See https://ellenmayerbooks.com/books/. Flutter, Flap, Fly! is her eleventh book with Star Bright Books. She lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts with her husband and their dog, Ellie. Visit her at ellenmayerbooks.com.

About the Illustrator

Estelle Corke spent much of her childhood drawing. Her passion for drawing led her to study graphic design in college and eventually found her way to children’s books. She enjoys traditional watercolor and gouache painting and regularly teaches watercolor classes to adult beginners. She lives in Wiltshire, England with her husband and Poppy, a little black and white dog. Visit her at estellecorke.com.

National Book Month Activity

Soar and Swoop! Wings Craft

Kids (and adults!) can set their imagination soaring while they flutter, flap, and . . . fly with this easy craft designed by young creator Elise B.! What kind of bird will you be?!

Supplies

Poster Board in any color
Twine, string, or ribbon
Feathers, leaves, flower petals, paper, markers or crayons, glitter, or other items to decorate wings
Streamers
Measuring tape
Pencil
Scissors
Hole Punch (optional)
Glue and tape

Directions

Measure child’s arm from finger tips to elbow and use this measurement for the long, top side of the wing
On the poster board, draw two wing shapes: use your child’s arm measurement for the long, top edge of the wing. From the right (or left) end of this line, draw a perpendicular line about 4 or 5 inches long. Then draw a curving, scalloped line from the bottom of the perpendicular line to the other end of the long, top edge of the wing.
Cut out two wings
Decorate the tops of the wings with markers or crayons or by gluing items to them
Attach streamers to the scalloped edge with glue or tape
With the hole punch or scissors, make two holes vertically along the short side, about 3 inches apart
With the hole punch or scissor, make two holes vertically near the tip of the wing, about 1 inch apart
Thread the twine, string, or ribbon through each sets of holes so that the two ends hang from the underside of the wing
To play, tie wings to arms and wrists with scalloped edge facing backwards

About Elise B.

Elise is 10 years old. She has two cats. When she’s not designing crafts for her grandmother’s books, she enjoys playing hockey, acting, and dancing. Her favorite birds are blue jays.

You can purchase Flutter, Flap, Fly! from these booksellers

Amazon | Star Bright Books | Whitelam Books, Reading, MA (contact for signed copies to pick up) | Beacon Hill Books & Cafe, Boston, MA (contact for signed copies to pick up)

Picture Book Review

August 27 – National Just Because Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Doesn’t today’s holiday sound relaxing? A whole day devoted to doing things “just because.” As the school year starts up again and the less structured days of summer fade, it’s fun to contemplate what you can do just because you feel like it, because it makes you happy, or because it’s something nice you want to do for someone else. With no expectations, no directions, and no nagging deadlines, today’s holiday lets you be the captain of your own actions and fate! So get out there and do that thing! You might surprise yourself and others—just like the little girl in today’s book!

Thank you to Abrams Books for Young Readers for sending me a copy of this book for review!

A Very Good Parade

By Eleanor Davis

When Gabby, with her cape, crown, Tudor ruff-esque tutu, and exclamation-point topknot, waved her spatula and declared “It’s time for a parade!” she was initially met with reluctance. Miguel told her he didn’t “know how to do anything,” including playing the tuba sitting next to him. Gabby reassured him that the “horn is so good, you don’t even have to play it.” If that was the case, Miguel was ready to sign up and blew a weak breath—“pffsssfffssssss”—into the mouthpiece.

They continued down the block, Gabby inviting everyone to join the parade with “whatever you’ve got.” Hugo has lots of questions about who and what will be in the parade before demonstrating his talent for singing “Stayin’ Alive.” All Anthony has are his auntie’s oversized cowboy boots, but Gabby says to wear them and come along. Across the street they meet up with two girls who don’t want to miss snack time, so Gabby hands them three tubes of string cheese and wants to know what they’ll do in the parade.

As Gabby leads her growing parade to the park, she picks up drummers, acrobats, even a wild animal who all fulfill Hugo’s list, while deftly dispatching two bullies with a definitive “No, you aren’t” when they say they’re going to join the parade. When Gabby finally yells, “STOP! Now we will all perform!” the street erupts with roars and crash-bangs and singing and clomping and “pffsssfffssssss” from Miguel’s tuba. The parade ends with an unexpected flourish that makes the watching crowd go “wild” and Gabby’s pronouncement, “Now it is time for dinner!” that sends everyone home. Back at Gramma’s, Gabby proclaims her parade “‘was the best parade in the history of the whole entire universe.’ And it was. Gabby said so.”

When Eleanor Davis’s spunky and aptly named Gabby announces herself and her intentions to lead a parade on the first page, readers will find their lips curling into a smile that only becomes wider and never fades as the story progresses to its pitch-perfect ending. Focused and self-assured, Gabby marches out into the street where she spreads compliments, confidence, and acceptance (except for one very welcome rebuke of bullies) in her wake. Hilarious touches in the dialogue and illustrations will prompt laughs and a heartwarming embrace for this close neighborhood. Kids are sure to be charmed and inspired by the variety of talents this parade presents.

Davis’s warm, matte color palette is striking and fresh, highlighting the children while they also blend in as an integral part of the community. Her illustrations are fully realized with city scenes and humorous details, and readers will love to linger over all of the action as the kids make their way to the park. A Special Note about the book’s jacket and cover: the flip side of the jacket folds out to a full-length image of the parade performance, while the cover shows the neighborhood in quiet repose.

A Very Good Parade is a joyful celebration of childhood, individual personalities, and community that will be a favorite for “read it again!” story times. The book is a must for all public and school libraries as well as home bookshelves. If you are looking for a gift, A Very Good Parade will be much appreciated and loved.

Ages 4 – 8

Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2026 | ISBN 978-1419785733

About the Author

Eleanor Davis is an award-winning cartoonist making books for children and adults. Her recent graphic novel The Hard Tomorrow won the LA Times Book Prize for Best Graphic novel, and her early reader Stinky was celebrated with a Geisel Honor, among many other accolades. She is the illustrator of Traci N. Todd’s Make a Pretty Sound. A Very Good Parade is Eleanor’s author-illustrator picture book debut. She lives in Athens, Georgia, with her husband, fellow cartoonist Drew Weing, and their noisy and righteous child. Visit her at doing-fine.com.

National Just Because Day Activity

It’s Instrumental! Game

Play this fun game to gather all the instruments you need to create a music group or a parade! The first person to collect all 6 instrument cards is the winner!

Supplies

Printable Paper Cube Template
Printable Musical Instruments Cards—print one page for each player
Scissors
Tape

Directions

Print the Paper Cube Template, cut it out and assemble the cube die.
Print the Musical Instruments cards, cut out cards, and separate the instruments into piles
Players take turns rolling the die cube to collect musical instrument cards
The first player to collect all 6 instrument cards is the winner

You can purchase A Very Good Parade from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

June 25 – National Day of Joy

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

The National Day of Joy encourages everyone to look for simple moments and expressions of happiness in daily life. Cheerful smiles and greetings, random acts of kindness, upbeat moods, and general positivity can affect not only immediate interactions but our moods and our health. To honor the day and the idea, find ways to start each morning with a positive attitude for the day to come. Need ideas for how to get started? Say “Hello” to those you meet, listen to and encourage others, happily help out where needed, send a surprise letter, card, or text to a friend or family member far away. And, of course, doing something fun with your kids always makes the day better. Today’s book shows how simple pleasures and hard-won accomplishments can bring a special kind of joy to all ages.

Thank you to Abrams Books for Young Readers for sending me this book for review!

Robin and the Stick

By E. B. Goodale

“Robin always had a stick.” Sticks were Robin’s go-to for playing, decorating, and general all-around love. It was easy finding sticks—right outside his window, an old tree “rained them down as it blew in the wind.” Every morning as mama lifted Robin into the air, she said, “‘Today you are the biggest you’ve ever been!'” Robin wasn’t sure what she meant. One day when Robin and Mama went for their walk, they encountered “the best stick Robin had ever seen.”

The stick was so large it blocked the sidewalk, and even though Robin tried every way to lift it, this stick didn’t budge. Mama explained that it was a branch—a stick too heavy to pick up. Every day, Robin tried different ways to lift it, but never could. Then one morning the day began as usual, plus “one hundred kisses” from Mama, before they went outside, where the branch still waited. This time Robin put every ounce of strength into the mission and suddenly, Robin was holding it aloft! Robin dragged the branch home, proudly thinking “today I’m the biggest I’ve ever been!” and knowing the perfect way to use this prize.

E. B. Goodale’s debut book in her “Robin’s World” series for the youngest readers is infused with the joy of growing and learning and will make you smile from beginning to end. In her adorably pint-sized book, Goodale plays with notions of change and growth as well as young and old. Robin is shown in various perspectives—small at home and when first encountering the branch to larger closeups of Robin’s day-to-day efforts to lift it. On the day of Robin’s ultimate success, Goodale mirrors the image of Robin’s first sight of the branch, but from the opposite side. Now Robin fills the page, while the branch, shown along the illustration’s narrowing path, appears much smaller than before.

Readers suddenly join Robin in the idea that today may just be the day—and, indeed, it is! As Robin lifts the branch and proudly drags it into the house, adults will appreciate the mother’s comically accepting stance at the door. Goodale’s heartwarming black-and-white monoprint and oil paint illustrations, tapped with red in Robin’s coat and Mama’s uplifting phrase, also highlight concrete moments and Robin’s focused attention.

A joyful book for offering encouragement, celebrating milestones, inspiring imagination, looking back and looking forward, Robin and the Stick is a must for every library collection and a story adults and children will enjoy at home for years. The book makes a wonderful gift for baby showers and new parents. The lack of pronouns makes it a universal story for any child.

Ages 3 – 6

Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2026 | ISBN 978-1419780837

E. B. Goodale can often be found wandering in her local arboretum, looking for the perfect stick. She is the author/illustrator of The Moon Remembers, Also, and Under the Lilacs, and has illustrated many other books for children, including Windows by Julia Denos, and The Bees of Notre-Dame by Meghan P. Browne. She lives with her family under a big old tree in coastal Massachusetts. Visit her at ebgoodale.com.

National Day of Joy Activity

Robin and the Stick Coloring Page

Join Robin for exploration and fun with this coloring page! Parents, caregivers, and teachers can find this activity as well as a video of E. B. Goodale talking about making of Robin’s World on E. B. Goodale’s website.

You can purchase Robin and the Stick from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

June 4 – National Hug Your Cat Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Today’s holiday has one goal in mind—to show your feline friend (or friends) how much you love them. If you share your home with a cat, then you know how their playful antics, companionship, and even their independent spirit can transform your home and your life for the better. Today show your kitty some extra love with a hug—or if they’re a bit skitten-ish—an extra brushing, more playtime, or a favorite treat. If you don’t have a cat, today is the perfect time to consider adopting one who’s looking for their forever home from your local animal shelter.

Thank you to Balzar + Bray for sending me a copy of this book for review!

Kitty Caterpillar

Written by Annabeth Bondor-Stone and Connor White | Illustrated by Brigette Barrager

Kitty Caterpillar was happy to be an indoor cat. She was, after all, “the queen of her kittydom” and could nap, play, and enjoy refreshments to her heart’s content. In the morning, it was her “job” to wake up Hazel. She took to it with gusto—even making biscuits! Kitty Caterpillar was Hazel’s constant companion through breakfast, piano practice and story time. “But “more than anything in the world, Kitty Caterpillar loved Hazel. And her hugs.”

illustration copyright © 2026 by Brigette Barrager. Text copyright © 2026 by Annabeth Bondor-Stone and Connor White. Courtesy of Balzar + Bray.

Whenever Hazel went out, Kitty Caterpillar wasn’t overly curious about what Hazel would be doing, instead “she settled into a catloaf” and took a nap. But one day, Kitty Caterpillar spied a butterfly through the window and was determined to follow it. She slipped her ten feet into a collection of Hazel’s shoes, and found her way out. Kitty Caterpillar was awed by the tickly grass, the alluring scents, and, especially, the bird bath. She “slink, slinked” over, but instead of catching a bird, she took a dunk and then found herself cowering from a sudden thunderstorm.

As the sun reemerged, however, Kitty Caterpillar spied it—the butterfly! She followed it up . . . up . . . up the trunk of a tree. It wasn’t just any tree, though! At the top she found Hazel having a tea party. Hazel was just as thrilled to see her best friend and wrapped her in a cozy hug, holding her while she dozed and dreamed of a beautiful metamorphosis.

Annabeth Bondor-Stone and Connor White’s endearing story will melt any child’s heart as Kitty Caterpillar enjoys well-known perks of being a cat and revels in her outdoor adventure. Bondor-Stone and White’s storytelling purrs with humor, puns, and action, making their book an enchanting read aloud. Their dreamy ending is a sweet kid-pleaser.

Brigette Barrager’s vivacious Kitty Caterpillar, with her distinctive ten purple paws, two antennae whiskers, and cotton-candy tresses, is adorable. Kids will giggle at her mischievous antics as she goes about her day, and her reunion with Hazel is as cute as it gets. Barrager’s lovely water-soluble wax pastel and Photoshop illustrations sing with whimsy and the colors of summer, inviting young readers to join in the fun.

Playful, imaginative, and infused with the warmth of home, Kitty Caterpillar will become a quick family favorite that kids will want to hear again and again. This book will also enjoy high circulation in any library’s collection and makes a purr-fect gift for young cat lovers.

Ages 3 – 6

Balzar + Bray, 2026 | ISBN 978-1250469038

Annabeth Bondor-Stone is the co-author of several books for children of all ages, including Kitty Caterpillar, the Shivers! The Pirate series, Jaclyn Hyde, Time Tracers, and Quest for the Crystal Crown. She is an Emmy-nominated television writer and co-creator of the animated TV series Eva the Owlet. Other TV credits include Helpsters, Waffles and Mochi, and Goldie. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband/writing partner, Connor White, and their two children. Visit her at annabethandconnor.com.

Connor White is the co-author of several books for children of all ages, including Kitty Caterpillar, the Shivers! The Pirate series, Jaclyn Hyde, Time Tracers, and Quest for the Crystal Crown. He is an Emmy-nominated television writer and co-creator of the animated TV series Eva the Owlet. Other TV credits include Helpsters, Waffles and Mochi, and Goldie. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife/writing partner, Annabeth Bondor-Stone, and their two children. Visit him at annabethandconnor.com.

Brigette Barrager is an artist, designer, writer, and illustrator of over thirty books for children. She is the New York Times bestselling artist of Kitty Caterpillar by Annabeth Bondor Stone and Connor White, Uni the Unicorn by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, and Pocket Full of Colors by Amy Guglielmo and Jacqueline Tourville. Brigette resides in Los Angeles with her husband, twin daughters, and twin cats. You can visit her at brigetteb.com.

National Hug Your Cat Day Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-match-the-kittens-puzzle

Match the Kittens Puzzle

Little ones can have fun matching up the kitten pairs in this printable Match the Kittens Puzzle!

You can purchase Kitty Caterpillar from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

November 17 – Get Ready for Hanukkah

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

For children, preparations for Hanukkah are full of magic and wonder, and finding books that mirror their excitement can make the holiday even more special. Today’s book sparkles with an imaginative spin on the eight nights of Hanukkah and its the traditions of light, remembrance, and giving.

Thank you to Orchard Books for sharing a digital copy of this book with me for review!

A Dragon for Hanukkah

Written by Sarah Mlynowski | Illustrated by Ariel Landy

A girl, excited to be celebrating Hanukkah with her family, invites readers along as she receives gifts on nights one through seven. On the first night of Hanukkah, her parents give her a baby dragon, whom she calls Nerry and allows to sleep on her bed. On the second night, her Bubbie gives her a rainbow that sweeps her from her room and down the stairs, through the kitchen and out the door, where Nerry catches her before she slides away.

She receives a treasure chest full of gold and gems, a merry-go-round from her best friend, and a time machine from her cousin that transports them “back two thousand years” to meet the Maccabees. On the sixth night, her Zaidie gives her rocket boots, and on the seventh night, her younger brother presents her with her very own unicorn. Actually it was three energetic unicorns, including a baby that liked to eat socks.

But it’s the eighth night that the girl has been looking forward to the most. On that night, it’s her turn to give gifts, and she’s cooking up a tasty treat. All finished in the kitchen, she heeds her mother’s call to clean up her room. She places her new stuffed dragon on her bed for nap time, returns a rainbow of crayons to their box, spins her dreidel one more time before placing it next to a bowlful of gelt, slides “The Story of Hanukkah” back onto the bookshelf, stuffs her starry socks in the drawer, and hangs up the unicorn pictures from her brother. Then “because it’s a time for giving,” she fills a Tzedakah donation box with toys and books.

Soon it’s time for dinner and her family and friends gather around the table to “sing songs, play dreidel, and eat latkes, the tasty treat [she] made.” And, she says’ it is doing these things “which makes this last night, the eighth night, the most magical night of Hanukkah.”

Following the story, the girl and Nerry engage in a dialogue about the history of Hanukkah, how to play dreidel, giving gifts, traditional Hanukkah foods, and even where the dragon’s name comes from.

Sarah Mlynowski blends imagination and tradition in her clever and enchanting story that immerses children in the joy, meaning, and excitement of Hanukkah. While readers logically know that a living dragon, full merry-go-round, or unicorn can’t really be a gift, Mlynowski’s twist when the girl begins cleaning her room comes as a delightful surprise. Her inclusion of a tzedakah box extends the idea of giving past the holiday in a way that resonates with children.

Ariel Landy’s exuberant illustrations sweep kids into the story and keep them riveted to see each new gift, from sweet Nerry to those rambunctious unicorns as well as the real gifts that so charm the little girl. Landy’s vibrant colors, warm tones, and wealth of details will keep children lingering over the pages as they celebrate Hanukkah with the young girl who is excitedly taking part in and contributing to the holiday. On subsequent readings, kids may enjoy pointing out clues to the true nature of some of the imaginative gifts.

A Dragon for Hanukkah is sure to be a favorite for those who celebrate Hanukkah, have family or friends who do, or who want to learn more about the holiday. This book would make a much-loved gift and addition to home and library collections.

Ages 4 – 8

Orchard Books, 2024 | ISBN 978-1338897524

About the Author

Sarah Mlynowski is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author and coauthor of over fifty books for teens, tweens, kids, and adults, including the Whatever After series, the Best Wishes series, and the Upside-Down Magic series, which was adapted into a Disney Channel movie. Originally from Montreal, Sarah now lives in Los Angeles with her family. Visit her online at sarahm.com.

About the Illustrator

Ariel Landy has been illustrating her whole life, starting with crayon portraits of her cats, dogs, and hamsters. She is the illustrator of the Good Dog series and picture books such as Gitty and Kvetch. Originally from Boston, she currently lives in the south of France with her family. Her favorite Hanukkah song is “I Have a Little Dreidel”. Visit her at ariellandy.com.

Get Ready for Hanukkah Activities

A Dragon for Hanukkah Coloring Page and Puzzle

Children can enjoy these fun activities from Orchard Books/Scholastic while they look forward to celebrating Hanukkah!

A Dragon for Hanukkah Coloring Page | A Dragon for Hanukkah Word Search

You can purchase A Dragon for Hanukkah from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

June 24 – International Fairy Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Full of sparkle, magic, and mischief, it’s no wonder that fairies captivate the imagination of young and old around the world! Today we celebrate these mythical creatures and all the joy they bring through cultural associations, books, movies, and pretend play. For an interesting look at the history of International Fairy Day, plus lots of ways to celebrate with your family and friends, visit Days of the Year and Punchbowl.

Thank you to Candlewick Press for sharing a copy of Fairy Walk with me!

Fairy Walk

By Gaia Cornwall

As their mothers relax and talk, three children and their curly-haired dog “skip, skip, skip, trip” into the woods behind the house, hopping from stone to stone to cross the little river “into the misty magic” of fairyland. “Where are you, fairies?” they call. Are they among the honey snowdrop flowers on the ground or under the boulder, so heavy it takes all three of them to tip? They don’t see any fairies, but they do find “a dragon!”—an orange salamander.

Are there fairies across the clearing, enjoying a feast on a “cozy, snug” mushroom table? No—or are there? Maybe they’re just a little farther, under the blanket of pixie moss. A peek underneath reveals “Bugs!” that “scramble, scamper, roll, and burrow,” but not a single fairy.

After all this fruitless searching, the kids grow frustrated and exhausted. It’s time for a snack. While they eat their sandwiches, the children decide that perhaps the fairies are shy. They then engage their other senses and can “hear them whisper in the trees.” They feel “thrums” in the ground below and appreciate the “whisper soft” wings of a butterfly.

They reconsider the gifts of flowers, stones, and mushrooms they’ve found, smelling them more deeply, creating a rock cairn, and inspecting them with a magnifying glass. The children leave a present for the fairies as well. The day is waning, and the trio bids goodbye to their fun and to the fairies, with hope for the future: “See you later!”

In her lovely, lyrical story that sings with sumptuous sensory language and the cadence of childhood fancies, Gaia Cornwall invites children into the magical realm of a lush woodland fed by a rocky stream and brimming with glorious flowers, mushrooms, and the kind of creepy crawlies that set the imagination whirling.

While the kids within the pages never see a fairy, the kids reading the pages will be delighted to spy plenty of tiny blue, sparkle-winged fairies hiding in the foliage; perched on the edge of a bird’s nest; enjoying the day among the mushrooms; and flitting playfully here and there with the kids’ charmed dog, who can see them. Eagle-eyed kids will also want to look for the tiny ladybug in each illustration. Cornwall’s soft-hued pencil, watercolor, and collage illustrations are dappled with texture and rich in details of the natural world that children and adults will also want to linger over.

Fairy Walk is an enchanting and clever combination read-aloud and fun I-spy story that children and adults will love sharing again and again. The book is sure to inspire nature walks through the neighborhood, in the backyard, or on hiking trails, where, even if you don’t see fairies, you’ll find lots of the gifts they scatter about. Fairy Walk will enjoy brisk circulation in any library and is highly recommended for home collections.

Ages 3 – 7

Candlewick Press, 2025 | ISBN 978-1536230710

About the Author/Illustrator

Gaia Cornwall loves to write and illustrate for children. She is the author-illustrator of Jabari Jumps, which was a Charlotte Zolotow Honor Book and an American Library Association Notable Children’s Book, and its follow-up, Jabari Tries, as well as The Best Bed for Me. Gaia Cornwall lives in Connecticut. Visit her at gaiacornwall.com.

International Fairy Day Activity

Fairy Walk Activity Kit

Learn how to draw fairies and bugs and go on a nature hunt with this four-page Fairy Walk Activity Kit from Gaia Cornwall and Candlewick Press!

You can purchase Fairy Walk from these booksellers

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

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