July 31 – Shark Week

About the Holiday

To the sorrow of many, Shark Week is coming to a fin-ish, but it’s never too late to indulge your love of these awesome marine animals! These denizens of the deep, and especially the Great White, are endlessly fascinating. Their toothy power, instantly recognizable fin, and the lore which has grown up around them, make them fearsome and awesome subjects for study and stories any time of the year. Today’s book—the first in an exciting new series—will satisfy all shark and adventure fans!

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

Max Beast: Sharknado Warning

By Maddy Mara

As Max manned the boat while his parents explored the wreckage of a superyacht that recently sank, he suddenly found himself fighting for survival against a massive shark that charged their boat, sending Max into the churning sea. Just before he went under, though, Max caught a glimpse of an unusual marking on the shark’s belly. Where had he seen that image before? There was no time to think about that, however, as the massive beast was about to attack. Max braced himself. But instead of rushing at him, the shark began thrashing, and Max could see that the strange marking was an infinity symbol.

It began pulsing red then ripped itself from the shark’s chest. The silver pendant floated in the water for a moment, and Max realized he’d seen this charm around the neck of a teenager, Hector, who’d barged in front of him and his parents in the dive shop where they’d gotten their snorkeling equipment. Suddenly, it “flew through the water toward Max like a magnet to metal” and “sank into Max’s skin.” Then things really started to happen. As the shark began losing its fearsome features and sprouting arms, legs, and a shock of hair Max recognized as Hector’s, Max was undergoing the opposite transition. In a moment, he was longer, stronger, had hundreds of teeth, sharper vision, and a fin and tail.

This transformation changes everything, and even thought Max and Hector don’t like or trust each other, they’re linked—not only because they’re both trying to locate the superyacht (Hector to loot it, and Max to stop him and find his parents) but because they can read each other’s thoughts. This ability comes in handy as they battle Hector’s cohorts and their spearguns, a giant squid, a dive cage, and other explosive underwater menaces as well as time, itself. Will Max achieve his aims and become a boy again, or will Hector win out? It’s time to dive in and see for yourself!

With nonstop action amid a dangerous setting and mysterious circumstances, Maddy Mara’s Max Beast: Sharknado Warning introduces readers to an appealing young hero who embraces his new persona and uses his intelligence and wits, while staying true to his principles as he overcomes adversity and solves a mystery. Fast-paced plotting, compelling characters, high stakes, and gripping dialogue sprinkled with humor as well as exhilarating black-and-white illustrations by Khadigah Khatib make this a book that will thrill all readers. They will eagerly look forward to Max’s next adventure in Max Beast: Tiger Terror.

Ages 7 – 10

Scholastic, 2026 | ISBN 979-8225002770

About the Authors

Maddy Mara is the pen name of Australian creative duo Hilary Rogers and Meredith Badger. Hilary is a writer and former publisher; Meredith is a writer and teaches English as a second language. Together they have written or created many bestselling series for kids, including Dragon Girls, Dragon Games, and Forever Fairies. Dragon Girls has over 1.5 million copies in print and is available in multiple countries and languages. They live on the lands of the Wurundjeri and Bunurong people in Melbourne, Australia. Their website is maddymara.com.

Shark Week Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-shark-jar-craft

Shark Organizer Jar Craft

Are some of your favorite things scattered here and there? Would you like to be able to get a good clamp on them? Then here’s a craft you can really sink your teeth into! This shark organizer jar is easy and fun to make and a fin-tastic way to keep your stuff tidy!

Supplies

Wide-mouth plastic jar, like a peanut-butter jar
Gray craft paint
White craft paint
Black craft paint
Paint brush

Directions

Find a point in the middle of the jar on opposite sides of the jar
Mid-way between these points on the other sides of the jar, find a point about 1 1/2 inches above the first points
From the first point draw an angled line up to the higher point and down again to the lower point to make the shark’s upper jaw
Repeat Direction Number 3 to make the shark’s lower jaw
With the gray paint fill in the jar below these lines to make the shark’s head
Along the jawline, paint jagged teeth with the white paint
Add black dots for eyes on either side of the shark’s head
Let dry

You can purchase Max Beast: Sharknado Warning from these booksellers

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Picture Book Review

July 27 – It’s Shark Week

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

It’s Shark Week! In its 38th year of highlighting all things shark-related, the Discovery Channel is once again hosting one of the most iconic weeks of summer with education and entertainment revolving around these denizens of the deep, especially the Great White. But there are many more sharks in the sea – about 500 species! – and they’re all an important part of the world’s ecosystem. To celebrate ancestors of today’s sharks and the wonders of discovery, you’ll want to put today’s book at the top of your reading list!

Thank you to Random House Studio and Barbara Fisch at Blue Slip Media for gifting me a copy of this book!

Sharks in Kansas: The Ancient Sea in the Middle of America

Written by Melissa Stewart | Illustrated by Becca Stadtlander

When you think of finding sharks, you might consider the east and west coasts of the United States and South America, areas around Africa, or perhaps the waters off the coast of Australia. I’d hazard a guess, however, that the US midwestern state of Kansas would not be on your list. Melissa Stewart is here to change that.

In Sharks in Kansas, Stewart reveals that Kansas—yes, that state known for its “seven million acres of wheat, five million acres of corn, more than six million cattle, and almost two million pigs” that add up to “90 percent farmland” was once the home to sharks and a plethora of other prehistoric creatures. She begins with fossilized evidence that 85 million years ago what is now Kansas as well as “thirteen states and five Canadian provinces” was underwater in what scientists now call the Western Interior Seaway.

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Becca Stadtlander. Text copyright © 2026 by Melissa Stewart. Published by Random House Studio, 2026.

Stewart then transports readers back millions of years to experience the vibrant and strange creatures that plied the sea, land, and sky. As a herd of herbivore Claosaurus track the shoreline, “a Pteranodon glides across the sky in search of fish.” But what about the sharks, you ask? They’re in attendance too. Different types of sharks of various sizes, one nearly twice as long as a Great White, lurk in the water’s depths, waiting . . . Those early sharks aren’t alone, either. Quirky—and toothy—mosasaurs, plesiosaurs, and fish as well as mollusks that would never fit in a bucket vie for space and food.

So what happened to the Western Interior Seaway? Stewart takes readers on a fascinating tour through the changes that slowly occurred to the land, the creatures, and this body of water that was once so vital. You may wonder how people—both scientists and casual observers—know all this. As Stewart explains, they can see its effects in the fossils discovered under those fertile fields; in the “rippled sandstone” walls that stand as reminders of an “ancient shoreline” and which visitors to Dinosaur Ridge in Colorado can trace with their fingers; and in the towering “chalky white” Monument Rocks of Kansas, created by untold numbers of coccolithophore fossils. Stewart and Becca Stadtlander then team up to textually and visually explain how the Western Interior Seaway was formed and then displaced by land once again.

A master of setting a scene that envelops children in mysterious landscapes, Melissa Stewart introduces readers to prehistoric sharks and other sea creatures that once populated the Western Interior Seaway. Portraying dramatic encounters between marine animals, Stewart brings to life the vitality of this ancient ocean while clearly outlining how the seaway came to be and receded again.

Becca Stadtlander’s stunning gouache illustrations immerse readers in the prehistoric period, providing perspective on the size of these marine animals and diving into the depths of the Western Internal Seaway to witness the awe-inspiring interactions among them. Tails flick, teeth are bared, and chomps are taken for food and defense. The images of above-ground proof of the seaway’s existence will also entice kids to learn more about this ancient phenomenon.

Sharks in Kansas is extremely well-designed, with most pages containing sidebars that present illustrations of and facts about the creatures featured in that spread. There’s no flipping back and forth to a glossary at the end to discover the information readers want to know and match with what they see in front of them.

Children will be surprised and entranced by the strong science, dynamic storytelling, and riveting illustrations found in Sharks in Kansas: The Ancient Sea in the Middle of America. The book is a must for all library collections and will be a pored-over favorite for kids fascinated by science, marine creatures, and history.

Ages 4 – 8

Random House Studio, 2026 | ISBN 978-0593904718

Melissa Stewart has written more than 200 science books for children, including Whale Fall, winner of the AAAS/Subaru Prize for Excellence in Science Books; Feathers: Not Just for Flying, an ALA Notable Book; and Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes, and Stinkers: Celebrating Animal Underdogs, an SCBWI Golden Kite Honor title. She co-authored 5 Kinds of Nonfiction: Enriching Reading and Writing Instruction with Children’s Books and edited the anthology Nonfiction Writers Dig Deep: 50 Award-Winning Authors Reveal the Secret of Engaging Writing. Melissa maintains the award-winning blog Celebrate Science and serves on the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators board of advisors. Visit her at melissa-stewart.com.

Becca Stadtlander is an illustrator and fine artist. In 2019, she won the Golden Kite Award for Picture Book Illustration for Made by Hand: A Crafts Sampler. Picture books she has illustrated include Mr. McCloskey’s Marvelous Mallards, Sleep Tight, Farm, and On Wings of Words, which received four starred reviews. Her work is also featured in adult books, editorial publications, stationery, home decor products, and book covers. Visit her at beccastadtlander.com.

Shark Week Activity

Fintastic Shark Fun

Dive into some shark fun with this shark fin craft! Just follow the directions below!

Supplies

2 pieces of 8.5 x 11 gray cardstock paper
Ribbon
Tape
Scissors
Pencil

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-shark-fin

Directions

Tape the top of the two pieces of paper together
Fold them back together
Measure an inch up from the bottom of the papers (the un-taped side) and trace a straight line across both papers
Trace a shark fin outline onto your paper. The shark outline should stop an inch above the bottom
Cut out the fin on both pieces of paper. If you should cut through the tape, re-tape the tops together
Fold along the lines of both papers so the folds face towards each other.
Tape the folds so the fin becomes a triangle
Cut two slits parallel to the folded lines
Thread ribbon through slits

Sharks in Kansas Coloring Page and Reading Guide

Families and educators can find a Sharks in Kansas coloring page as well as a Reading Guide on Melissa Stewart’s website.

You can purchase Sharks in Kansas: The Ancient Sea in the Middle of America from these booksellers

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Picture Book Review

July 16 – Wild About Wildlife Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

The theme of this month-long holiday is simple: it’s all about wildlife. Whether you like mammals, birds, fish, or insects best, July is the time to celebrate the wondrous diversity of our planet’s wildlife. We may be halfway through the month, but you and your kids still have lots of time to explore the wildlife in your area and learn about the creatures that populate all parts of our world. Today’s book takes a humorous look at what you might expect—or not—during your explorations!

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

Whale, That Was Unexpected

Written by Casey Lyall | Illustrated by Kathryn Durst

Every day of her long, long, long life, Maude—a bit cranky after all these long, long years—fished the “open sea.” Today was no different as she and her dog, Claude, stepped aboard the “trusty little boat” and left the harbor. “After all these years, Maude had seen everything,” that is until she, Claude, and their boat were swallowed by a whale. Inside the dark recesses of this behemoth, Maude lifted her lantern and took stock of the flotsam and jetsam floating below.

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Kathryn Durst. Text copyright © by Casey Lyall. Courtesy of Tundra Books.

Maude knew just what to do. She strung decorations, brewed tea, made snacks, and painted a sign that read: “Farewell Maude + Claude.” She unfurled the sign from the bridge and asked the narrator to “do the honors” for their going away party. The narrator obliged—barely. “Farewell, Maude. Farewell, Claude.” Maude was unimpressed. The narrator obliged—better: “Farewell, Maude, a grand old dame. Farewell, Claude, sixth of his name. Farewell, trusty little boat.”

But the whale wasn’t satisfied with crusty Maude and faithful Claude, and their boat was, apparently, too little. It sucked in an octopus and a crab, each requiring their own eulogies. The whale swallowed again . . . and again. It was getting tricky updating the sign. Even the narrator was slowing down. But once more, from the top, the party got into full swing. As the whale quieted, though, Maude decided “that’s all she wrote.” She lit the candle on the celebratory sandwich, which made the whale “Ah, ah, AH”—sneeze! Through the blowhole, the little boat shot into the air and safety. But is there something else lurking?

Casey Lyall’s nautical treasure sails along on deadpan humor, fueled by Maude’s cantankerous intrusions into the narrator’s storytelling and blasé acceptance of each newcomer. The cumulative eulogy is all the funnier for the interruptions and shenanigans of the growing crew, and both kids and adults will have a blast starting and restarting this hilarious send-off. Maude’s prompt for the narrator to speed up makes reading Lyall’s perfectly rhyming and rhythmic ode even more fun.

As kids set out to sea with Kathryn Durst’s sturdy Maude and her sidekick Claude, they’ll be charmed by and completely invested in this humorous duo. Durst gives them all the comforts of home on their “trusty little boat” as tea is formally laid on a barrel table and a tufted armchair and bucket footstool await calm seas. The first view of the whale is cleverly ominous, building suspense. The pair’s farewell pathos will have readers giggling, and as the doomed crew expands, their resigned acceptance of their fate provides plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. The final scenes just off the lovely coastal town offer surprise and delight.

Whale, That Was Unexpected is the catch you don’t want to let get away. Funny and loaded with personality, this fresh read aloud is one that kids and adults will love to share over and over.

Ages 4 – 8

Tundra Books, 2026 | ISBN 978-1774883617

About the Author

Casey Lyall lives in Southwestern Ontario where she also works at her local library (and waits for management to discover they’re actually paying her to have fun). When she’s not writing, Casey loves to bake, doodle and learn extremely groan-worthy jokes to tell her friends. Casey is the author of the humorous middle-grade mystery series Howard Wallace, P.I. and books A Spoonful of Frogs and Vampire Jam Sandwich. Visit her at caseylyall.com.

About the Illustrator

Kathryn Durst is a graduate of Sheridan College in Ontario, Canada. She has a background in animation, having interned with Pixar Animation Studios. Kathryn has illustrated numerous children’s books, including You’re In Good Paws, the Polite Predators books and the #1 New York Times bestseller from Paul McCartney, Hey Grandude! When she is not illustrating books, she can be found playing the accordion, growing vegetables, folk dancing or putting on shadow puppet shows. She lives in Toronto, Canada, with her grumpy mini dachshund named Chili Dog. Follow her on Instagram.

Wild About Wildlife Month Activity

Whaley Cute Bookmark

Don’t go fishing around for the last page you read! Use this Whaley Cute Bookmark instead!

You can purchase Whale, That Was Unexpected from these booksellers

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Picture Book Review

June 2 – National Zoo and Aquarium Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

This month’s observance pays tribute to the role of zoos and aquariums and the work they do for education, conservation, and research to protect the world’s animals. Through interactive and hands-on programs, zoos and aquariums provide visitors with up-close experiences in which they can learn about the environments and science of each amazing creature. These institutions are also reaching out with personal and online visits to schools by zoologists and other experts, increasing the interest in biology and animal science to students. To celebrate, plan a visit to your local zoo or aquarium—or make it a “must see” of any vacation!

Thanks to Chronicle Books and Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media for sending me a copy of this beautiful book for review!

The Secrets of the Jellies: Amazing Jellyfish and Their Surprising Talents

Written by Karen Jameson | Illustrated by Marie Hermansson

It’s impossible not to be fascinated by jellyfish. We’re captivated by their beauty and grace and can’t help but admire their defensive subterfuge—as long as we’re not on the receiving end! In her lyrical nonfiction picture book, Karen Jameson reveals intriguing facts about these dazzling underwater creatures that can be found in every ocean zone, from the shallows to the deepest recesses. She celebrates “see-through jellies, bright ones, too—colors in each shade and hue! / And in the darkness, down below, they radiate a blue-green glow!”

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Marie Hermansson. Text copyright © 2026 by Karen Jameson. Courtesy of Chronicle Books.

Jellies bioluminescence is only part of their charm, however. We marvel as we watch jellyfish seemingly glide effortlessly through the water, wondering, “how do they do that?” Jameson has the answer, not only to how they propel themselves, but also to how “jellies live without a brain,” how they reproduce, how they satisfy their hunger, and even how other sea creatures befriend jellies for their own survival.

You might think that by just bobbing along, jellyfish would be easy prey, but Jameson reassures readers that “jellies hide, jellies dodge with super-sneaky camouflage! / In the depths or close to shores, they stay away from predators!” With such smarts and agility, it’s no wonder the sea blooms with “jellies here, jellies there—hundreds, thousands everywhere!” or that “we’ll study them for years to come, these stars of the aquarium!”

Extensive back matter follows the story, with a section on Jellyfish Facts that explains more about the number of “true jellies” around the world, information on the smallest and largest jellyfish, their bioluminescent properties, how they move, how they “think,” their life cycle, diet, predators, groupies, and jellyfish blooms. Readers also learn about how aquariums care for their jellyfish, their role in the ocean’s ecosystem, how they sting, and how climate change affects them. In a paragraph on current jellyfish research, children are invited to become citizen scientists and track jellyfish through a provided website link. Children are next introduced to 22 types of jellyfish that they will then enjoy finding throughout the book.

Readers will happily glide along with the incredible jellyfish Karen Jameson introduces through her perfectly rhyming and rhythmic storytelling that educates while also providing the fun of an interactive read-aloud. Excitement builds as the verses flow toward the final rhyming word, which kids will be eager to call out as they engage with Jameson’s clever learning experience. In her conversational back matter, Jameson explains jellyfish facts and features in clear terms, using examples and vocabulary that resonates with her young audience. Each paragraph offers fascinating information to spur further research for classroom or homeschool cross-curricular assignments.

Marie Hermansson’s vibrant lifelike digital illustrations float and swirl with the motion of jellies, transporting readers under the ocean to witness the variety of shapes, colors, and sizes of these aquatic marvels. Scientific concepts, such as jellies’ propulsion and nerve net, are clearly portrayed to enhance understanding. The endpapers give kids a glimpse of the Monterey Aquarium, whose jellyfish exhibits inspired this book.

Shimmering with the magic and mystery of jellyfish, The Secrets of the Jellies: Amazing Jellyfish and Their Surprising Talents is scintillating nonfiction at its best. The book is a must for any public, school, or classroom library collection and an exciting addition to home bookshelves for any child fascinated with the ocean or marine biology.

Ages 5 – 8+

Chronicle Books, 2026 | ISBN 978-1797221977

About the Author

Karen Jameson is a children’s author, poet, teacher, and literacy advocate. Her picture books include Woodland Dreams and Wake Up, Woodlands, illustrated by Marc Boutavant; Farm Lullaby, illustrated by Wednesday Kirwan; and Where the Wee Ones Go, illustrated by Zosienka. She lives and works in Southern California. Visit her at karenjameson.com.

About the Illustrator

Marie Hermansson has a deep appreciation for the natural world, with a love of illustrating animals, plants, landscapes, and the ecosystems they exist in. She has illustrated numerous picture books, including Tera Kelley’s award-winning Listen to the Language of the Trees. When she’s not working, she enjoys traveling, hiking, beachcombing, and reading. Marie currently resides in North Carolina with her husband and two children. Visit her at mariehermanssonillustration.com.

National Zoo and Aquarium Month Activity

Marine Animal Coloring Pages

Kids can bring a bit of the ocean or aquarium to their room with these marine animal coloring pages!

You can purchase The Secrets of the Jellies: Amazing Jellyfish and Their Surprising Talents from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

May 13 – Get Caught Reading Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

When you love to read, you want to pass down that excitement to your children. The Get Caught Reading campaign, established 27 years ago by the Association of American Publishers, promotes literacy and language development through reading to children and spurring them to read on their own. Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers especially benefit from being read to and developing good memories and experiences associated with reading. All month long, people are encouraged to pass along their love of literature by sharing pictures of themselves reading on social media. Celebrities, sports figures, book creators, teachers, moms and dads, grandparents, and kids of all ages take part in this favorite annual event. Why don’t you?! For more information, visit the Get Caught Reading website.

I Whaley Love You!

By Sandra Magsamen

When you see your child’s sweet face looking up at you, you just want to tell them how much they mean to you. Maybe you wish there was some new way to express your love for them—a fun way! Sandra Magsamen’s big-hearted tale I Whaley Love You! is the perfect answer for just those moments and many more.

Topped off with a sparkly, iridescent whale tail that little ones will love to squish, I Whaley Love You! dives into the special bond between child and parent, grandparent, or other caregiver. Sweet, rhyming verses convey all the love adults feel when cuddling close with their child, doing things together, and “snuggling up tight” as they say “nighty-night.” The final verse reassures young children that “forever and always . . . I whaley, whaley, whaley love you!”

Text and illustration copyright © 2026 by Sandra Magsamen. Courtesy of Cartwheel Books.

Sandra Magsamen’s endearing I Whaley Love You! will dazzle little ones with its playful tail and adorable under-the-sea illustrations full of gentle waves, smiling sea creatures, and an adoring adult-child duo. Magsamen’s punny expression is sure to become a favorite phrase to share when that incomparable joy bubbles up and overflows your heart.

I Whaley Love You! makes a special gift for baby showers, new babies, parents, grandparents, and other caregivers and a delightful bedtime or naptime read aloud.

Ages: Baby and up

Cartwheel Books, 2026 | ISBN 978-1546140139

Sandra Magsamen is the author and illustrator of over 75 books for young children including I Love You, Honey Bunny, You’re My Little Chickadee, and Our Little Love Bug! As an artist, an art therapist, and a mom, she uses her creativity to remind people to express themselves and connect with others. Her lifestyle brands, products, and books are sold worldwide. Visit her at sandramagsamen.com.

Get Caught Reading Month Activity

Whale Match-Up Puzzle

The twin whales have all gotten separated! Help them find each other again in this fun Whale Match-Up Puzzle!

You can purchase I Whaley Love You! from these booksellers

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Picture Book Review

May 12 – National Share a Story Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

This month is all about sharing stories! Whether you’re regaling listeners with an anecdote from your own life or reading a picture book to kids, sharing stories is one of the best ways to connect with others, pass down experiences, and spark imaginations. The emotions shared while laughing or commiserating together while telling or listening, create bonds that uplift, teach, and lead to unforgettable memories. Today’s books offer moments of pure interactive delight shared with your youngest family members!

Thank you to Twirl and Barbara Fisch at Blue Slip Media for sending me a copy of these books for review!

Clickety Clack: Clack-Clack, Little Crab!

By Amy Blay

“Swish, swosh, swish, swosh . . . .” It’s a sleepy day at the ocean, but Little Crab is finished with its nap and wants to play. First Little Crab crosses the sand to find Little Snail. With a “clack-clack!” of its claws, Little Crab wakes up Snail, who’s happy to see its friend! Next—”splish, splash, splish . . . Little Crab scuttles across the tidepools to say hello to Little Starfish. Clack-Clack!” Star Fish opens its eyes and is surprised to see Little Crab! Little Crab is having so much fun! Who can Little Crab wake up next?

The youngest readers will love accompanying Little Crab as it visits friends to wake them up for playtime. By pulling the sturdy handle tab, kids help Little Crab clack-clack his claws and watch a variety of sea creatures open their eyes to greet their enthusiastic friend. On the final page—with a tug and an audible “wheeeeeee!”—readers join those friends and more in a game of hide-and-seek behind a giant coral.

Children will giggle in delight as they pull the tabs made just for them. Amy Blay’s bright colors, cheerful characters, and inviting ocean scenery will beckon kids to return to the beach over and over. Surprising sounds and the thrill of watching the pages change with just a tug make Clack-Clack, Little Crab! a perfect board book to share for quick read-aloud story times, tuck away in a take-along bag, or gift to young children for any occasion.

Ages: Baby – 4

Twirl, 2026 | ISBN 978-2408061807

About the Illustrator

Amy Blay has illustrated for design companies, toy manufacturers, publishers, and giftware companies. She lives in London, England. Visit her at amyblay.com and follow her on Instagram.

You can purchase Clickety Clack: Clack-Clack, Little Crab! from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Ultimate Discovery: T. Rex

By Raphaële Glaux | Illustrated by Amélie Falière

Take your youngest reader back to prehistoric times to meet a T. Rex, who’s proud to introduce the features that make it such a fierce dinosaur. This isn’t just a walk in the (Jurassic) park, though! Little ones get to interact with this favorite beast, even helping a baby T. Rex hatch from its egg with the pull of a tab!

Young readers learn about the T. Rex’s size, “skin covered with smooth, hard scales,” and his “huge jaw full of sharp teeth. ROAAARR!” Kids will be excited to open that enormous mouth and let out their own gigantic ROAAARR—and maybe another one, just for fun! The T. Rex also reveals that it is a carnivore and admits that “other dinosaurs are afraid of me!” Which ones are hiding from T. Rex now? A quick lift of the tab exposes them—then hides them again!

But watch out, T. Rex! A fearless Triceratops is charging your way, guided by a dino-loving reader! This Triceratops is sure to back up and charge again . . . back up and charge again! “The large frill on the head of the Triceratops makes it hard for me to bite it!” T. Rex explains. Who will win this battle?

Raphaële Glaux’s text, in which T. Rex speaks directly to readers, will charm young children while teaching them basic facts about this favorite dinosaur and its environment, comparing specifics like height and length to common objects that make it easy for children to visualize. Kids learn scientific terms as well as the names of several dinosaurs and other creatures from the period. Glaux’s final question will have little ones replaying the battle between T. Rex and Triceratops again and again.

Each page of this exciting dinosaur discovery book provides drama and education as a variety of identified dinosaurs, plant life, and volcanos appear in Amélie Falière’s vibrant illustrations. Kids will “Aww” over the baby T. Rex as they help it hatch from its egg. Later, as they look into the eyes of the full-grown T. Rex and feel it’s teeth, they’ll wonder how such a small dino could grow so large. The final encounter between T. Rex and Triceratops offers exciting action.

Ultimate Discovery: T. Rex is a sturdy, high-impact board book that will enchant the youngest readers and that adults will enjoy sharing with their children at home and away.

Ages: Baby – 4

Twirl, 2026 | ISBN 979-1027613885

About the Author

Raphaële Glaux writes and designs books for children and adults. A long-time editor who has many published titles, she lives in Nantes, France. Follow her on Instagram.

About the Illustrator

Amélie Falière grew up in the countryside of France, and has always been fascinated with nature and animals. Her colorful illustrations can be seen in many children’s publications. She lives in Paris, France. Follow her on Instagram.

You can purchase Ultimate Discovery: T. Rex from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

March 9 – National Reading Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

The month of March is dedicated to reading! National Reading Month was designed to encourage children and adults to read every day and celebrates the joys and benefits that reading together can bring. When you spend time reading with your child, you’re helping them develop the language and literacy skills that will promote future success in school and beyond. Even if your child isn’t talking yet, they’re listening and learning about their language as you read to them. Older kids also love being read to—or reading to you! Setting aside time to read together builds strong bonds that can last a lifetime. The month is typically marked with special events in schools, libraries, bookstores, and communities that bring authors, illustrators, and educators together with kids.

You’ll find book lists and recommendations, monthly reading theme ideas, tips for reading and for guest readers, and places to find free books and resources on the National Education Association website.

Disco Dave

Written by Jody Jensen Shaffer | Illustrated by Yana Kozak

Dave the walrus loved everything about disco, from the beat of the music to the hip clothes, sparkly décor, and the groovy dances. “Especially the dances!” He thought The Bump, The Funky Chicken, and The Robot were “‘far out!’” But Dave was not a natural dancer. In fact, when he hit the dance floor his moves were more of a natural disaster. Dave decided to take dance lessons.

He was doing pretty well until his flipper tripped him up. Still, when Dave received an invitation to a birthday dance, he was excited to bust the moves he’d learned in class. But things didn’t quite go as planned. Dave’s friends tried to let him down gently: “‘Maybe you groove to different dance moves,’ said KC.” But Dave adored Disco with all his heart, and when he saw an announcement for a Disco dance contest, he was ready to boogie down. But once again, his flippers failed him, and he had to admit Disco wasn’t for him.

“Dave boxed up his bell bottoms and platform shoes and made his way to the donation center. On his way there, though, he passed by Disco Heaven and saw that it was closed! His friend Donna told him that the disc jockey had quit. How would Dave and his friends groove to the beats without the club? Then Dave had an idea! He might not have all right the moves yet, but he did have Disco in his soul. He got behind the soundboard and started experimenting. It turned out Dave had just the right stuff to keep the music alive so he and his friends could keep on truckin’ to their own funky beats.

The story is followed by a detailed discussion by Silvi Guerra PsyD on the nature of learning new skills and how children can find joy in the process while developing perseverance, confidence, and resilience that will benefit them throughout their life. Using the example of dance, Guerra also gives parents and other caregivers tips on how they can make any learning journey fun and meaningful.

Jody Jensen Shaffer channels the Disco era in her story that envelops kids in a caring community of friends as Dave tries again and again to master the dances he loves so much. As Dave comes to accept that he has two left flippers—for now—Shaffer offers new perspectives on practice, perseverance, keeping an upbeat outlook, and being open to alternate opportunities to shine. Her storytelling is peppered with puns, 1970s’ slang, and you’ll want to check out the names of Dave’s friends for some back-in-the-(Disco) day references.

Yana Kozak lets kids in on all the glitter and groove of Disco, from mirrored Disco balls and multi-hued floors to rad fashions and hair styles to all those iconic dances. Children will also appreciate Dave’s enthusiasm for Disco and empathize with his mishaps. Dave’s ability to turn disappointment into triumph is clearly demonstrated and inspiring.

Ages 4 – 8

Magination Press—American Psychological Association, 2026 | ISBN 978-1433848582

Jody Jensen Shaffer is an award-winning poet and the author of more than seventy books of fiction and nonfiction for children. Jody’s poetry and fiction have been published in magazines like Highlights, Ladybug, and Clubhouse Jr. She lives in Liberty, Missouri. Visit her at jodyjensenshaffer.com.

Yana Kozak is a Ukrainian children’s book illustrator living in France. She loves to create funny, emotional characters who are exploring the world. Follow her on Instagram.

National Reading Month Activity

Reading Fun Bookmarks to Color

Mark where you’ve stopped reading or your favorite page with these bookmarks you can color and make your own!

Just One More Page Bookmark | Happy Reading Bookmark

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