June 20 – Universal Father’s Week

About the Holiday

Universal Father’s Week is celebrated during the third week of June each year. All week long we give a special tribute to all the fathers (and father figures) who work hard, are caring, lovable, and funny, keep us on our toes as well as the right path, and are just awesome dads. To celebrate, make sure the dads in your life know how much they’re loved and needed!

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

You Make the World

Written by Mượn Thị Văn | Illustrated by Phùng Nguyên Quang and Huỳnh Kim Liên

As the story begins, a father and his young child share a drink from a single mug outside their simple campsite—a small tent and a lantern, but a roaring campfire ringed by stones. The child’s father reveals the poetry of nature, how “the sun makes the world hum. / The clouds make the world blue. / The wind makes the world wild. / The rain makes the world new.” He then tells his child a secret—“But you know what else makes the world? You.”

The child takes this in, a bit surprised. Dad explains how every “hello,” “smile,” or “hug” creates a ripple effect of joy and love and how acceptance will “make the world grow.” In fact, the child, the world, the entire universe are so entwined that the child’s emotions are felt by all. Not only their feelings, but their actions have consequence. “When you forgive, you make the world kind,” the father says. “When you try, you make the world brave.” But even deeper than these single actions or feelings, the father imparts, the child’s very presence “. . . here where you belong . . . make(s) the world whole.”

Mượn Thị Văn introduces her story with a letter to her readers, revealing that You Make the World was inspired by one of her previous books, Wishes.

Phùng Nguyên Quang and Huỳnh Kim Liên’s stunning, color-saturated illustrations carry the father and child as they leave their campsite on a transformative adventure with familiar animals and fantastical beasts. An enormous yak kneels to accept kindness from the child before rainbow-winged birds transport father and child on a flight over fields and streams. Hippos ride the waves with them as they kayak on a raging sea, and the father and child soar into the twilight sky holding the tip of a breaching blue whale’s fin. Along the way, readers will see the growing gathering of shadowed animals keeping watch. As the sun finally sets, the child fills a lantern with starlight before falling to sleep in their father’s arms.

You Make the World is a book that parents, grandparents, teachers, and other caregivers will want to share again and again and one that children will ask for often. The book is a must addition to any home or library collection. It would make a much-loved gift for any occasion, especially for babies and new siblings.

Ages 4 – 8

Orchard Books, 2025 | ISBN 978-1338822045

About the Author

Mượn Thị Văn is the author of many acclaimed picture books. From her debut, In a Village by the Sea (2015), to her latest, If You Want to Be a Butterfly (2023), her books have earned many distinctions, including a California Book Award, an Irma Black Honor, and a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. Her recent book Wishes, with Victo Ngai, won the Margaret Wise Brown Prize and was named the #1 Best Picture Book of 2021 by BookPage. Her books have been translated into multiple languages, including Vietnamese, Nepali, Sepedi, and Tamil. Mượn Thị Văn lives and works in California. Visit her at muonthivan.com.

About the Illustrators

Phùng Nguyên Quang and Huỳnh Kim Liên are book creators who live and work together in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Quang and Liên are currently working on illustrations for a number of children’s titles to be published in Vietnam and Europe. Some of their acclaimed picture book projects include Hundred Years of Happiness and The First Journey. Visit them at kaaillustration.com. You’ll also find Huỳnh Kim Liên at kimlienhuynh.com and Phùng Nguyên Quang at phungnguyenquang.com.

Universal Father’s Day Activity

You Make the World Activity Sheets

Interact with the world around you with these fun activity sheets proved by Scholastic!

You Make the World Dot-to-Dot and Word Search Pages

You can purchase You Make the World from these booksellers

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

Picture Book Review

June 13 – National Pigeon Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

When you see pigeons gathering around park benches or scuttling along urban outdoor areas looking for crumbs or lining up on electrical wires, you may not think much about them. They just seem part of the landscape. Learning more about National Pigeon Day, however, may change your ideas about these unassuming birds forever. The holiday was established by President Woodrow Wilson in acknowledgement of the historical and cultural significance of pigeons, particularly their contributions during World War I. Today, the holiday celebrates the important role they played in both world wars.

As the website BirdTipper explains, pigeons were used during both World Wars as “reliable and efficient messengers, providing a vital link between troops on the front lines and command centers. Their speed and homing ability made them indispensable for conveying important messages, often flying through dangerous conditions to deliver vital information. Numerous pigeons were awarded medals and honors for their service, highlighting their bravery and significance in wartime efforts.”

Today’s date was selected as National Pigeon Day to commemorate the death of one of the most famous World War I pigeons, Cher Ami. To read more about this incredible bird, including its role in saving nearly 200 soldiers despite being grievously injured, and more about how pigeons helped the war efforts, visit BirdTipper.

Thanks to Candlewick and Barbara Fisch at Blue Slip Media for sending me a copy of Seven: A Most Remarkable Pigeon!

Seven: A Most Remarkable Pigeon

Written by Sandra Nickel | Illustrated by Aimée Sicuro

The little pigeon was different right from the start—when he was still in the egg, even. Usually “pigeons arrive in twos . . . . But this time, there was only one.” The flock whispered and whispered. When the tiny bird hatched, his parents named him Seven in honor of “seven thousand miles . . . the farthest any pigeon has flown to get back home.” It “is considered a very lucky name.”

As Seven waited for his eyes to open and his feathers to sprout, he relished all the lovely scents that wafted to his nest. When he could finally fly, Seven soared to the flower shop to enjoy the aromas, and he picked up petals to fill his nest instead of twigs. On the way to the park with the flock, he veered off, distracted by the fragrant smell of rice. His mother scolded: “‘We stay with the flock. We stay with the flock.'” The flock whispered.

Seven’s father decided it was time to teach his son how to “home.” They left the city and headed into the country. Here, Seven was so captivated by all of the new scents that he didn’t listen to his father’s lesson to memorize the roads below. The flock was scandalized; his mother gave him another scolding. So Seven began toeing the line, but now he “didn’t feel dreamy or cozy or light as a feather.” And the flock? They continued to whisper.

Finally, it came time for The Big Flight, the annual commemoration of the famous 7,000-mile journey. Instead of 7,000 miles, though, the flock rode the train 700 miles away and would fly home. But soon the fog rolled in, thick and impenetrable. Without being able to see the road map below, the pigeons all flew in different directions. How would they find their way home?

But Seven knew just where to go, led on by the scents he loved so well. The flock fell into formation behind him and followed him home. There “Seven’s parents puffed out their feathers and added rose petals to their nest.” The rest of the flock added 700 more in celebration, and Seven’s parents wrapped their wings around him and held him close.

A discussion about pigeons, their behaviors, the different (and similar) ways the mother and father care for their young, and various theories on how pigeons home follows the story.

You will absolutely fall in love with Seven as he stays true to his distinct and savvy preference for scents despite the speculations of his flock in Sandra Nickel’s heartwarming tale. Nickel blends her talent for fiction and nonfiction in her depiction of pigeons’ nesting, flocking, and homing behaviors as well as highlighting the 7,000-mile flight undertaken by one adventurous pigeon. Nickel’s story is built on deeper underpinnings that these, however, as she spotlights the joy and comfort to be found in celebrating individual differences that make each person’s unique contributions to their family, friends, and community invaluable. Kids will cheer Seven on as he forges his own way.

Aimée Sicuro’s watercolor, gouache, and ink illustrations transport readers to lovely French cityscapes and countryside while embedding them with a lively flock of pigeons all aflutter over their newest member. Amplifying Nickel’s focus on individuality, Sicuro has given each pigeon its own markings and coloring, and their facial expressions leave no doubt about their feelings. Seven is especially expressive, from basking in delectable scents to dejectedly enduring scoldings and doubtful glances to leading the flock home with happy certainty and finally soaking up cozy hugs from his parents.

Seven: A Remarkable Pigeon is a gently told story full of love that celebrates individuality and builds self-esteem. The book is one that kids will want to hear again and again and is a must for home, classroom, and all library collections.

Ages 4 – 8

Candlewick, 2025 | ISBN 978-1536235197

Connect with Candlewick on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X |

About the Author

Sandra Nickel is a former lawyer who is now a dedicated children’s book author with many picture books under her belt, including The Stuff Between the Stars, Nacho’s Nachos, Big Bear and Little Fish, and Making Light Bloom. She is honored to be the winner of a Christopher Award, the winner of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators Crystal Kite Award, a finalist for the Golden Kite Award for Nonfiction for Younger Readers, a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection honoree, and a Charlotte Huck Award Recommended author. She has presented workshops on writing for children and young adults throughout Europe and the United States. She lives with her family in Switzerland. Visit her at sandranickel.com and on Bluesky | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X.

About the Illustrator

Aimée Sicuro is a creator of many picture books for kids. She is the author and illustrator of If You Spot a Shell, and If You Find a Leaf, which was nominated for the Ezra Jacks Keats Award.. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, Parents magazine, and many other publications. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two children. Visit her at aimeesicuro.com and on Instagram.

You can learn more about Blue Slip Media on Bluesky | Facebook | Instagram and on Twitter/X here and here.

National Pigeon Day Activity

Seven: A Most Remarkable Pigeon Activity Pages

Download a fun and thoughtful Seven: A Most Remarkable Pigeon Classroom Guide with discussion questions and activities for use by educators as well as readers at home.

You can purchase Seven: A Most Remarkable Pigeon from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

June 9 – National Great Outdoors Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Everyone benefits from spending time outdoors whether they’re playing, helping out with home projects, gardening, traveling, or just enjoying some lazy time. Simple pleasures, breaking the routine, and taking time to recharge all spark the imagination and make memories that last a lifetime. To celebrate National Great Outdoors Month, plan an outing with your kids. It may turn into an adventure you never expected!

Sloth & Squirrel on Vacation

Written by Cathy Ballou Mealey | Illustrated by Kelly Collier

With Sloth & Squirrel’s Pickle Pop stand always hoppin’, the two friends longed for time to do something else. Squirrel yearned for adventure, and Sloth “longed for a l-o-n-g nap.” Then Sloth had an idea: why not close the stand for a vacation? Squirrel was all in, and even got a travel magazine to peruse together on a park bench.

Squirrel was partial to Raging Rapids Rafting and Swoop-dee-Loop Skydiving, while Sloth was eager to check out Lazy Lodge and . . . . Sloth needed a nap! As Squirrel dragged Sloth away, they discovered an advertisement right on the bench that provided the perfect answer: Paradise Park, which promised “Something for Everyone!”

At Paradise Park they hit the beach first, and while Squirrel enjoyed the sand and surf while Sloth slept on a floaty. When Squirrel, trying to skip stones, popped Sloth’s floaty instead, Squirrel scampered off to the gift shop to buy a new one. On the way to the shop, though, Squirrel got sidetracked by rock climbing and then diverted again . . . and again . . . and one more time by all the fun activities before realizing he missed Sloth.

Back at the beach, Sloth had just woken up from his nap and wondered where Squirrel was. As he began his search, Sloth heard two pigs talking about a rock-climbing squirrel. Sloth headed up the mountain, but didn’t find Squirrel. He tried again, taking to the water, but no Squirrel. Sloth always seemed to be a step behind. Perhaps a view from the air would help. At last! “There was Squirrel!” Reunited, the two friends embraced and decided to do something together.

Sloth was ready for an ice cream cone, and Squirrel agreed. But by the time Sloth returned with the cones, there wasn’t anything left to lick. Squirrel knew just what was needed—speed! He zipped to the ice cream stand and zipped back with one “Scooper Bowl Deluxe.” They then “savored every spoonful—the same way they enjoyed the rest of their vacation.”

Cathy Ballou Mealey’s delightful sequel to Sloth & Squirrel in a Pickle is a sweet and funny friendship romp that will steal your heart. This time, Mealey deepens the bonds between Sloth and Squirrel as they collaborate on choosing a vacation spot and after being separated vow to spend the rest of their vacation together. In between readers are treated to a masterclass on being a best friend as Sloth overcomes his natural instincts for snoozing in order to find Squirrel, and Squirrel realizes that time spent with Sloth is more valuable than even the most exciting adventuring alone. Their yummy compromise will satisfy all readers.

Kids will be happy to see Kelly Collier’s fast (and slow) friends back again and discover that their pickle pop stand is still dill-iciously popular. Squirrel’s hijinks as he just can’t stop himself from trying every activity Paradise Park has to offer is sure to whet their appetite for their own summer fun with friends while Sloth’s refreshing downtime will appeal to adults looking for a bit of relaxation.

Sloth & Squirrel on Vacation is a sequel fans of this duo won’t want to miss. It will become a quick favorite read aloud for home and library collections.

Ages 4 – 8

Kids Can Press, 2025 | ISBN 978-1525312564

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-sloth-and-squirrel-in-a-pickle-cover

Read my review of Sloth & Squirrel in a Pickle here!

About the Author

Cathy Ballou Mealey enjoys all kinds of fun vacation activities, including swimming, reading and sharing sweet treats. When she is not writing or reading, she volunteers for schools and programs that support individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities. Cathy likes dill pickle pops and chocolate ice cream, but not at the same time! She lives with her husband, son and daughter north of Boston, Massachusetts, where she delights in watching silly squirrel antics and is waiting patiently for a sloth to appear. Visit her on Instagram, X/Twitter, and Bluesky.

About the Illustrator

Kelly Collier has been drawing since she was little, and studied illustration in college. She is the author-illustrator of the Steve the Horse series and The Imposter, and the illustrator of the Sloth and Squirrel books, the Izzy series and How to Party Like a Snail. She has an identical twin sister and an older brother and lives in Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and daughter. Visit her on Instagram.

National Great Outdoors Month Activity

Summer Fun Activity Book

Enjoy your summer vacation with the coloring pages and puzzles in this Summer Fun Activity Book!

You can purchase Sloth & Squirrel on Vacation from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

June 5 – World Environment Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Sponsored by the United Nations, World Environment Day encourages worldwide awareness and action for the protection of the environment. Each year a different country hosts the day’s events. This year the Republic of Korea has been chosen as the host country, with a focus on ending plastic pollution globally. Ridding the planet of plastic pollution is an important contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations, including those on climate action, sustainable production and consumption, protection of seas and oceans and repairing ecosystems and retaining biodiversity. Everyone is needed to make a difference. You can learn more about World Environment Day, the 400 million tons of plastic produced each year (200 tons of which is single-use) and the dangers of microplastics throughout the environment, as well as the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and how you can join the #GenerationRestoration movement on the UN World Environment Day website.

Thank you to Phaidon Press for sharing this book with me for review!

Nature’s Tiny Champions: The Big Book of Little Creatures Doing Mighty Things

Written by Ben Lerwill | Illustrated by Nic Jones

If you are awed by nature then you might know that “there are at least two million animal species on planet Earth.” But were you aware that some scientists believe the number might be more than eight million? So where are they? Well, all around—they’re just not easy to see. As Ben Lerwill reveals, “almost all of them are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.” In fact, most could “sit on the tip of your little finger, and some are so impossibly minuscule that a whole herd of them could be hiding on the period at the end of this sentence.”

So should we be thinking out of sight, out of mind? Absolutely not! And Nature’s Tiny Champions is here with detailed profiles of 20 phenomenal creatures to show you what an enormous impact itty-bitty animals make, plus back matter that presents short, illustrated entries on 21 more tiny champions of the air, land, and sea. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!

Each two-page spread in this cleverly designed oversized book introduces readers to an animal through Ben Lerwill’s easy-going, conversational description of the primary trait that makes it a champion, an often mind-boggling discussion of its crucial contribution to its ecosystem, and a sidebar containing even more memorable facts about natural phenomena such as camouflage, prey species, migration, metamorphosis, teamwork, survival, keystone species, indicator species, self-defense, and more.

Each page spread stuns with Nic Jones’ vivid and gorgeously realistic illustrations that set each tiny creature in its natural habitat. Actual-size renderings of each animal is a highlight and are sure to spark plenty of “oh my gosh!” and “it’s so cute!” reactions. These images also allow kids to learn about how the animal is perfectly suited to its environment. Kids will enjoy comparing each animal to the size of their hand, finger, or even—in the case of the water bear—a grain of sugar. Where the animal is too small to see and be labeled clearly in its natural size, the image is expanded and labeled with the scale of magnification.

Ready for a few examples of what readers will learn? Get this:

“The tiger piston shrimp is only the size of a french fry, but when it snaps its claw, the noise is louder than a gunshot!
“Leafcutter ants can carry 50 times their own weight. That’s like you carrying an RV—with your teeth!
A water bear “can go for 30 years without food or water,” it can survive temperatures as cold as -454ºF and as hot as 302ºF, and it has “even stayed alive after being blasted into outer space.”

For budding zoologists, entomologists, and nature lovers at home and in the classroom, Nature’s Tiny Champions: The Big Book of Little Creatures Doing Mighty Things is a fascinating sure winner that will keep kids enthralled, watching out for the tiny creatures in their own area, and eager to learn more. The book’s impressive would make a much-appreciated gift. It is highly recommended for home bookshelves and is a book librarians will be thrilled to display and recommend.

Ages 6 – 9+

Phaidon Press, 2025 | ISBN 978-1838669973

About the Author

Ben Lerwill is a multi-award-winning children’s author and freelance writer who has written for over 50 publications, including National Geographic Traveller, The Sunday Times, and BBC Travel. Previous recognition for his books includes a Wainwright Prize for Children’s Nature Writing shortlist, a National Geographic Kids’ Magazine ‘Book of the Month’ and a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. Visit him at benlerwill.com.

About the Illustrator

Nic Jones has been a professional illustrator for nearly 5 years. Previous works include Earth Clock: The History of Our Planet in 24 Hours, and Above and Below: Dusk til Dawn.

World Environment Day Activity

Environment Word Search Puzzle

Find the words about our environment and protecting it’s resources in this puzzle!

Environment Word Search Puzzle | Environment Word Search Puzzle Answer Key

You can purchase Nature’s Tiny Champions: The Big Book of Little Creatures Doing Mighty Things from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

May 30 – National Water a Flower Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

National Water a Flower Day reminds us of the vast diversity of plants and flowers in the world and even in our own backyards, gardens, and communities. The holiday encourages us to show how much we appreciate plants for their sumptuous colors, their fragrant blossoms, their delicious fruits and seeds, and for the unique ways they survive under sometimes challenging conditions. To this end, as the name of the holiday nudges, we should take special time today to make sure all of our plants—both indoor and outdoor—are watered and cared for.

Superpowered Plants: Meet the Smartest, Strongest, Sneakiest Plants

Written by Soledad Romero Mariño | Illustrated by Sonia Pulido

From the beginning of time (perhaps even before) plants have been growing, spreading, and evolving to survive and thrive. To do this, they’ve had to become smart, resilient, and even sneaky—ingenious. Plants and their blooms can last only a day or hundreds of years, quietly coexisting with generations of a family. Among the plants on Earth are some of nature’s craftiest mimics, chemists, thieves, and predators.

In Superpowered Plants, author Soledad Romero Mariño introduces readers to 22 astonishing plants from across the globe, including the African baobab, sacred lotus, spotted spider orchid, titan arum, and whistling thorn as well as more common varieties like dandelions and sunflowers. She identifies 17 superpowers that plants rely on to feed themselves, multiply, cope with extreme conditions, regenerate after fire or other challenges, and protect themselves. Some of these are super speed, super intelligence, super teamwork, super resilience, and super flower.

Working in tandem with illustrator Sonia Pulido, Mariño provides a short description of each plant before outlining its superpowers in clear, easily-digested tidbits presented in color-coded sections, further marked by a recognizable icon. Other information on the left-hand page includes the plant’s scientific name, class, order, and family as well as its size, color, lifespan, habitat, reproduction method, enemies, and special features, along with a fascinating trivia fact.

To the right—in stunning tarot card-inspired illustrations that would easily be at home in any fine art museum—Pulido captures each plant in full-page, glorious, realistic splendor while stylishly displaying its flower, seed, and fruit and bordering it with representations of its habitat, superpowers, and unique features.

So what are a couple of examples of these astounding plants? Well, take the Whistling Thorn, which is native to the East African savanna. This plant really has the will (and the way) to survive! Not only are its branches covered in prickly spikes, but it teams up with a particular species of ant, offering colonies a home in exchange for aggressive attacks on any herbivore that dares take a nibble. And if that isn’t enough, the whistling thorn has “developed the superspecial skill of communication.” Where many whistling thorns grow in proximity, if one tree is attacked it releases a scent into the air, “alerting other trees in the area to the threat.” These trees “immediately secrete a toxic substance into their leaves, which can be harmful to touch and eat, therefore putting off the predator and keeping the community of trees safe.”

There’s also the Sandbox, native to tropical regions such as the Amazon rain forest, who’s playful name belies its nickname—the dynamite tree. Determined to spread its seeds far and wide, the sandbox produces fruit that, when ripe, explodes with such force “that it can cause injury to anyone standing in its way.” The seeds are propelled at “speeds of 230 feet per second and can cover distances of up to 150 feet.” It’s also best not to attempt to climb the sandbox, as its trunk is covered in “supersharp spikes.”

“Fascinating” hardly begins to describe all the discovery inside Superpowered Plants: Meet the Smartest, Strongest, and Sneakiest Plants. This well-conceived compendium will enthrall readers of all ages and spur a deeper appreciation for the earth’s vegetation—both the unusual and the common, which might just be more cunning than we imagine. Superpowered Plants is a must for all library collections and is highly recommended for home bookshelves, especially for nature lovers.

Ages 7 – 12+ (adults will be equally captivated)

Phaidon Press, 2025 | ISBN 978-1838669515

About the Author

Soledad Romero Mariño is an experienced children’s non-fiction author who specializes in ‘best of’ round-up style books. Her works include Superpowered Animals: Meet The World’s Strongest, Smartest, and Swiftest Creatures (also published by Phaidon), Awesome Accidents: 19 Discoveries that Changed the World, and Famous Robberies: The World’s Most Spectacular Heists.

About the Illustrator

Sonia Pulido’s illustrations have appeared in publications globally, including The New Yorker and The New York Times. In 2020 Pulido won the Spanish National Illustration Award and she is the illustrator of Phaidon’s bestselling What a Shell Can Tell.

National Water a Flower Day Activity

Plant a Flower Garden Game

With this fun game you and your family and friends can grow gardens inside! Roll the dice to see whose garden will fully blossom first!

Supplies

Printable Flower Garden Plot Game Board
Printable Flower Garden Playing Cards
Printable Flower Garden Playing Die
Black or brown crayon (optional)
Card stock or heavy paper for printing (optional)
Tape
Scissors

Directions

Object: The object of the game is for each player to fill their garden or garden rows with flowers. Depending on the ages of the players, the game can be adjusted to fill all of the rows, some or all rows, or just one.

Print one Game Board for each player
Print one or more sets of Flower Playing Cards for each player, depending on how (for sturdier playing items, print on card stock)
Cut the flowers into their individual playing cards
Print one Flower Playing Die and assemble it (for a sturdier die, print on card stock)
Color the “dirt” on the Garden Plot with the crayon (optional)
Choose a player to go first
The player rolls the die and then “plants” the flower rolled in a row on the game board
Play moves to the person on the right
Players continue rolling the die and “planting” flowers until each of the number of determined rows have been filled with flowers or one row has been filled with all six flowers.
The first person to “grow” all of their flowers wins!

You can purchase Superpowered Plants: Meet the Smartest, Strongest, Sneakiest Plants from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

May 27 – Get Caught Reading Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

When you love to read, you want to share all the excitement that books contain. The Get Caught Reading campaign was initiated in 1999 by the Association of American Publishers with the idea to promote literacy and language development through reading to children and spurring them to read on their own. All month long, people are encouraged to pass along their love of literature—from board books to Shakespeare and everything in between—by taking pictures of themselves reading and sharing them on social media. Movie and TV celebrities, sports figures, authors, illustrators, teachers, moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas, 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.

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

Little Heroes of Color: I’m a Little Hero

By David Heredia

If you’re looking for a book to inspire your little one while introducing them to people of color throughout history who overcame obstacles and broke barriers on their way to becoming an influential leader, inventor, adventurer, artist, scientist, or sports figure, David Heredia’s I’m a Little Hero board book presents ten such role models.

Through short rhymes, kids meet the first Black woman pilot, the first indigenous American to win an Olympic gold medal, an astronaut, an architect, and other inspirational figures from a diverse range of professions. Along with each profile, children receive affirmation that they, too, can be a hero who is just through everyday actions, such as learning new things, helping friends or family, trying their best, and using their imagination.

The most impactful feature of this interactive board book is the included mirror, which folds out so that children can see themselves next to each of these super achievers as an adult reads to them. Such recognition will spark their self-confidence and self-esteem and assure them that they, too, can be and do anything they put their mind to.

Thoughtfully adapted from the hardcover edition of Little Heroes of Color for older children, David Heredia’s engaging verses and bright, eye-catching illustrations will captivate little ones. Simple details allow them to quickly understand the profession of each of these historical figures of color and how they made the world a better place.

Little Heroes of Color: I’m a Little Hero is a cheerful and emboldening book that would enhance any home or library collection for the youngest readers.

Ages Baby – 5

Cartwheel Books/Scholastic, 2025 | ISBN 978-1546180364

About the Author/Illustrator

David Heredia has worked for Walt Disney Animation, Warner Bros. Animation, and DC Collectibles. His six-time award-winning education video series “Heroes of Color” has been featured in the New York Times, on NPR, and on PBS Online. He lives in Santa Clarita, California, with his wife and three children. For more information, visit David at heroesofcolor.com.

Get Caught Reading Month Activity

Bessie Coleman Coloring Page

Little ones will feel inspired to be a brave hero like Bessie Colman while coloring this page! Get it here!

You can purchase Little Heroes of Color: I’m a Little Hero from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

May 22 – It’s Mystery Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Do you and your kids love mysteries? Then the month of May is for you! That’s to be expected as May is all about mysteries! Established by Booklist, which is part of the American Library Association, Mystery Month highlights all things mysterious and offers webinars, articles, awards, recommendations, and more! Mysteries, with their unusual situations, puzzling clues, usual suspects, and plenty of unexplained phenomena, are great for getting kids—even reluctant readers—to fall in love with books. With so many classic and new mysteries to investigate, this month’s celebration may just last all summer! And if you like your mysteries fun and educational, you’ll love today’s book!

Dakota Crumb and the Secret Bookshop: A Tiny Treasure Hunt

Written by Jamie Michalak | Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

Dakota Crumb—a tiny mouse with an enormous talent for treasure hunting—receives a letter from her cousin Julien imploring her to help him find a rare book about lost treasures that has been hidden somewhere in Paris. Julien has left her one picture clue as to where it might be, and Dakota loses no time in rushing out the door to follow the trail.

She discovers the image on the door of the quaint Le Mystère Café et Librairie. Inside, all is quiet, but another clue is waiting for her. She finds and grabs the item hinted at, only to discover another clue that leads her upstairs “past spying eyes.” Once on the second floor—the Children’s Room—Dakota scans the room for the object she needs and spies it in a most dangerous place! Can she possibly collect it? With courage and pluck, she nabs it from the “sleeping monster” and hurries away.

The hunt is still on! Dakota hasn’t found the rare book yet, so she follows the newest clue, which takes her to yet another and then on a wild climb up a long rope. At the top she finds “a most mysterious place!” Lights shine from inside this tiny shop, but it’s flanked by two large stone-cat bookends. Will Dakota find the treasure book at last? Or is it a trap?”

With trepidation Dakota opens the door. “‘Surprise!'” It’s a party for Dakota! And who’s at the door to greet her? Her cousin Julien, holding her present—the “rare and priceless” treasure book she’s been seeking! Dancing and tasty treats await. “And the mice celebrate until Paris twinkles like birthday candles.”

The fun doesn’t end after the story as Dakota invites readers to a treasure hunt of their own, presenting more than 30 items for them to look for on the pages throughout the book. In addition, Kelly Murphy’s wonderfully atmospheric illustrations are so jam-packed full of whimsical elements that enterprising adults or older siblings could easily make up multiple treasure hunts for kids to enjoy.

Whether your kids are already fans of Dakota Crumb or are meeting her for the first time, Jamie Michalak’s newest treasure hunting adventure is a delightful seek-and-find caper full of mystery, intrigue, and gentle suspense. Michalak’s charming storytelling and rhyming clues will have children feeling like sleuths themselves as they hunt along with Dakota for each new item. When Dakota discovers that her cousin planned the whole quest as a special birthday gift and surprise, kids will love being included in this ingenious expression of family love.

Kelly Murphy’s lovely illustrations are infused with the ambiance of Paris as Dakota finds her way to Le Mystère Café et Librairie, where her adventure takes place. Each nook and cranny of this enchanting establishment are filled with clever details that will enthrall kids. From the warmth and delicious pastries of the café to the captivating staircase to the enticing Children’s Room with its resident canine “monster,” and the final party room overlooking Paris, Murphy’s incredible eye for detail and feel for character and mood envelopes readers in this cozy bookshop.

An immersive romp, Dakota Crumb and the Secret Bookshop will thrill mystery fans and I-spy puzzle lovers, alike and will be asked for again and again. The book makes a fantastic gift and is highly recommended for home bookshelves and all library collections.

Click here for my review of Dakota Crumb: Tiny Treasure Hunter and Interview with Jamie Michalak! You’ll also find a Dakota Crumb Activity Kit!

Ages 3 – 8

Candlewick, 2025 | ISBN 978-1536223309

Jamie Michalak is the author of Dakota Crumb: Tiny Treasure Hunter, illustrated by Kelly Murphy; the Frank and Bean books, illustrated by Bob Kolar; the Joe and Sparky series, illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz; and many other acclaimed titles for young readers. She lives in Rhode Island. Visit her at jamiemichalakbooks.com.

Kelly Murphy is the award-winning author-illustrator of The Boll Weevil Ball and illustrator of Dakota Crumb: Tiny Treasure Hunter by Jamie Michalak; Creepy Monsters, Sleepy Monsters and Romping Monsters, Stomping Monsters, both by Jane Yolen; and many other picture books and chapter books. She lives in Rhode Island. You can visit her at kelmurphy.com.

Mystery Month Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-what's-missing-game

The Case of the Missing Object Game

This fun game combines memory building with just the right amount of suspense and spookiness when played at night or in a room that can become totally black when the lights are turned off. If you play in the daytime, just have the players leave the room while you take away objects.

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-what's-missing-game

Rules

Gather a number of small objects (the number will depend on the ages of the players. For younger players, gather 5 – 7 objects. For older players try 12 or more)
Lay the objects out on a table or the floor
Tell the players to look at the objects for a certain amount of time. The time will depend on the ages of the players—a longer time for younger children, shorter for older kids (or to make the game more exciting)
When the time is up, turn out the lights or send players out of the room.
Remove 1 to 3 objects. To make the game more difficult rearrange the remaining objects
Turn the lights back on.
Let children guess which objects have been removed.
Repeat until all the objects are gone
For an alternate game, instead of removing objects, add one or two

You can purchase Dakota Crumb and the Secret Bookshop from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

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