National Pet Tricks Day was established in 2020 by professional dog trainer Joe Nutkins of Ardleigh, Essex, in the UK. Nutkins loves connecting with dogs and other animals by spending time with them teaching them tricks. Nutkins has enjoyed success and and even a bit of celebrity—appearing on Britain’s Got Talent in 2029 and 2023—with her expertly trained pets, including dogs, cats, hamsters, parrots, and even ducks and chickens. To celebrate today, why not begin spending some encouraging and fun one-on-one time each day to teach your pet a special art. And, of course, don’t forget the treats!
Thank you to Flamingo Books for sending me a copy of this book for review!
Henry Is an Artist
By Justin Worsley
Many dogs know tricks, but Henry has a calling. “Henry is an artist.” Each day when he goes for a walk, Henry admires the street art he passes, “but sculpture is his real passion.” Henry is no stranger to the creative impulse, every day producing a new, unique sculpture of his own. Even though Henry “is proud of his work,” it is not universally embraced. In fact, its public impact is fleeting and usually trashed.
One day, however, in a moment of distraction, Henry’s creation is left behind. Left behind, but not disregarded. “Someone has fallen in love with his artwork.” The tiny bug flies off to “tell all their friends.” The news travels fast, and soon “Henry’s sculpture is a sensation!”
Henry’s sculpture is so valued, in fact, that the bugs carefully transport it to a place of honor. Henry is invited to view its new home: “the grand lobby of the Bug Hotel!” He’s hailed as a celebrity, and returns home a very happy pup, indeed.
Funny, thought-provoking, and an ode to all the unsung creatives among us, Justin Worsley’s story makes readers laugh while encouraging them to find inspiration in the most unlikely places.
Worsley’s delightfully smart and inventive illustrations endear Henry to kids as he walks through the park admiring the public sculptures and trying to install his own. Henry’s facial expressions as he interacts with his owner, the reactions of other dogs, and the appreciative reception of an observant toddler and bug community all add depth to the story.
Henry Is an Artist would be a fun and often-requested addition to home, classroom, and public libraries. Its short sentences make it a perfect choice for new and beginning readers to read or grow with on their own.
Ages 4 – 8
Flamingo Books, 2025 | ISBN 978-0593695043
About the Author/Illustrator
Justin Worsley is an illustrator, author, and toy designer. After nearly thirty years of designing toys, he decided it was time for a change and followed his long-held dream of becoming a children’s book illustrator and graduated from Cambridge School of Art in 2023. When he’s not working, he’s usually riding his bike or walking his dog, Percy.
National Pet Tricks Day Activity
Paw Print Magnet
Your pet’s paw print makes a cute magnet for your fridge or locker to give you a paw…I mean hand… holding those important messages and pictures. Here’s how to do this easy craft with your dog or cat.
Supplies
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
1/4 cup water
Cookie cutter (optional)
Bowl
Wax paper
Strong multi-surface glue or hot glue gun
Strong magnet, available at craft stores
Paint (optional)
Directions
Mix the flour and salt in the bowl
Slowly add the water and mix the dough, kneading it until it is smooth and soft. Add more water if necessary.
Roll out the dough until it is about 1/4 – 1/2 inch thick
Place the dough on the wax paper
Carefully press your pet’s paw into the dough.
Place the cookie cutter over the print and cut out
Bake the paw print at 250 degrees for 1 to 2 hours depending on thickness of dough
If desired, paint the print, the background, or both
Attach the magnet with the glue
Display your magnet
You can purchase Henry Is an Artist from these booksellers
Created in 2021 by Courtney Hinshaw, a book lover, former teacher, and founder of Ramona Recommends, National Open The Magic Day honors the magic of reading aloud—especially reading picture books. As a child, Courtney faced struggles with dyslexia and auditory processing disorder, and while reading didn’t come easily, picture books gave her much joy and comfort. By establishing this holiday, her goal is to help more children feel confident with books, especially those who find reading hard.
Picture books aren’t just for the youngest readers, either! With their mix of story and illustrations, this creative masterpieces can open new worlds and a world of reading for children of any age—and even adults! To celebrate today, share picture books you loved as a child and your kids’s faves too! To learn more about the holiday and Courtney Hinshaw’s work with reading and literacy, visit Ramona Recommends and check out her blog post for National Open the Magic Day.
Thank you to Bloomsbury Children’s Books for gifting me a copy of this book for review!
Zombie and Brain Are Friends
Written by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic | Illustrated by Laan Cham
Zeb’s “family raised brains. Grain-fed, free-range brains.” In fact, anyone who bought their brains at the farmers market would tell you they were “the best brains in the entire county.” One Saturday, while Zeb worked among the crop, a baby brain snapped off its stem and bounced right into his hands. Zeb was smitten by how pink and squishy and adorable it was. Zeb decided to call him Brian and promised he’d take care of him. Brian snuggled close and “buzzed with delight.”
Zeb’s parents were much less enthusiastic and reminded Zeb: “‘Brains are food, NOT pets.'” Over the next few days Zeb and Brian did everything they could to change his parents’ minds. Finally they relented. Zeb was a fabulous caretaker, providing Brian with the best brain food, the most puzzling exercises, and always ensuring he never suffered brain freeze on chilly nights.
When Zeb woke one night to find Brian gone then spied him on the kitchen table and heard his dad say he was “going to make him a midnight snack,” Zeb was terrified. He snuck into the kitchen, grabbed Brian, and ran as fast as he could to a faraway field where brains roamed wild. After a tearful farewell, Zeb returned home, but it just felt empty. When his parents asked where Brian was and Zeb told them, he learned that his dad had been making a snack for Brian, not out of Brian.
The family scoured the neighborhood, but Brian was nowhere to be found. Then one morning as Zeb did his chores, he felt Brian at his heel. He had found his way home himself! Now their home—and their hearts—were full once more.
With its inspired take on E. B. White’s Charlotte’s Web, surprising friendship, and sweet tug on the heart, Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic’s Zombie and Brain Are Friends is a picture book for the whole family to read together. Loaded with delicious puns, wordplay, laugh-out-loud moments (as when Zeb tries a favorite pet owner’s ploy to entice Brian home), and even a couple of tear-jerking scenes, this heartwarming story is one kids and adults will want to share again and again.
Whether they’re shepherding their flock of brains on a hillside, selling their wares at a farmers market, or adjusting to a new pet in the house, Laan Cham’s delightful zombie family is relatable and loving. Pink, squishy Brian is a dear, and watching his and Zeb’s friendship blossom over fish dinners, puzzles, and outdoor play will squeeze your heart. Cham paints Zeb’s selfless act to save Brian with a broad brush of suspense and emotion, making the ending all the sweeter.
Full of heart, soul, and brains, Zombie and Brain Are Friends will appeal to all readers. It would be a well-loved addition to any home bookshelf and is a must for all library collections.
Ages 4 – 8
Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2025 | ISBN 978-1547613625
About the Author
Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic is the author of The End of Something Wonderful; Hello, Star; The League of Picky Eaters; What is Hope; and Hummingbird Season. She writes books in the San Francisco Bay Area surrounded by a few kids, a few cats, and one husband. Visit her at stephanielucianovic.com and on Instagram @grubreport.
About the Illustrator
Laan Cham is a wandering dreamer with a BIG imagination who enjoys all things cute, random, and a little bit strange. (Because the best things in life are kind of out there.) She aims to spread joy through her stories and illustrations by encapsulating all the things she loves. Laan’s picture books include Somewhere in Between and Mao Mao’s Perfectly Imperfect Day. Visit her at laancham.com and on Instagram @laan.cham.
National Open the Magic Day Activity
Reading is Magic! Puzzle
Reading every day makes life magical! Print this Reading is Magic! puzzle to help these kids find a book they’ll love!
You can purchase Zombie and Brain Are Friends from these booksellers
Do you have friends you haven’t seen or talked to in a while? Is there someone new at work or school who could use a friend to show them the ropes or eat lunch with? If so, this month’s holiday gives you the opportunity to reach out and say hi. The holiday was instituted by the Oddfellows (shortened from The Grand United Order of Oddfellows Friendly Society (GUOOFS)), an international fraternity that dates back to 1730s England, with the hope of encouraging people to make friends. Friendship Month is a super time to show kindness to those friends you know and those you don’t—yet!
Kat & Mouse: I Like Cheese
By Salina Yoon
Every day Kat and Mouse meet for lunch. Every day Mouse brings “the BEST food there is: “CHEESE!,” while Kat mixes it up with a new kind of “delicious” or “spectacular” or “MEOW-velous” sandwich that she introduces with dramatic flair. Each day, Kat offers to let Mouse try some of her sandwich, but Mouse always declines, assuring her that he likes cheese.
One day, while lounging in the wading pool Kat has brought along to their noon-time meet-up, she asks Mouse, “Don’t you ever get bored with your lunch?” Mouse reminds her that he likes cheese, and then wonders: “But Kat, do you ever get bored with me?” After all, he reflects, “I always eat the same lunch, packed in my same lunchbox, and sit on the same log.”
Thinking about it, Kat decides that they “really are different” and suggests they eat separately the next day. With sadness they go their own ways. The next day finds Mouse on his log with a hunk of blue cheese. Kat has chosen to eat a hotdog under an umbrella attached to a rocking horse.
The day after that, Mouse and Kat meet and ask each other how their lunches were. Kat admits that eating lunch alone was “Awful.” Mouse concurs, revealing that his lunch was “gloomy and blue. Even my blue cheese tasted bluer than usual.” Kat regrets recommending the separation, apologizes, and declares that “some things should not change—like our friendship!”
Mouse is happy to resume their usual lunches, but acknowledges that “it’s ok to try new things, too.” Kat perks up. Did Mouse bring a NEW lunch? Indeed he did! In fact, he brought something they will both like. What does he call it? Join them for lunch and find out!
Salina Yoon’s latest early reader series introduces kids to a new besties duo that will steal young readers’ hearts. Sweet and funny, Yoon’s story plays out in dialogue, the back and forth indicated through pink speech bubbles for Kat and green bubbles for Mouse. Their straightforward conversations are humorously punctuated by cinematic-worthy full-page spreads that pop with superhero bursts, bright lights, and bold signage.
Repeated words and phrasing (including some of the ingredients to Kat’s sandwiches) flow smoothly and naturally throughout the story, giving emerging and new readers confidence and pleasure in reading independently. Kat and Mouse’s appreciation and love for each other is infectious, and small moments between them hint at the charming personality traits kids have to look forward to in future series titles.
Kicking off an endearing and enchanting new graphic early reader series, Kat & Mouse: I Like Cheese is sure to be a favorite on any young reader’s bookshelf and enjoy constant circulation at any library.
Ages 5 – 7
Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2025 | ISBN 978-1547612420
About the Author/Illustrator
Salina Yoon is an award-winning author-illustrator of nearly two hundred books for children, including Duck, Duck, Porcupine!, the Penguin series, the Bear and Floppy series, and Be a Friend. She studied art and design at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, and now lives in San Diego with her family. Visit her at salinayoon.com.
Friendship Day Activity
Give Me Your Hand! Puzzle
In this Give Me Your Hand! Puzzle, everyone is welcomed with a handshake. Offering friendship to all, the interchangeable pieces can be mixed and matched as the animals become buddies with one another.
International Country Music Day was established in 2003 with September 17th chosen to honor Hank Williams, one of country music’s most influential artists. The day was created to bring together country music artists and fans from all over the world to celebrate their favorite music genre. To celebrate today, listen to your favorite artists from the past and today! And don’t forget to honor the Grand Ole Opry by adding today’s book to your family’s country music collection!
Howdy! Welcome to the Grand Ole Opry!
Written by Emily Frans | Illustrated by Susanna Chapman | Foreword by Lainey Wilson
Celebrating its 100th anniversary with a buoyant “Howdy!”, the Grand Ole Opry (Opry for short) welcomes readers in for a personal tour of the beloved home of country music, where “history is made and stars are born.” Following their knowledgeable guide through the performers’ entrance, kids first check in with the security guard to get their backstage pass and dressing room number. Passes in hand, kids continue backstage, where they feel the excitement in the air and view pictures of past stars who graced the stage. “Did you know my show started way back in 1925?” The Grand Ole Opry asks.
While looking for their dressing room, children find themselves in the midst of today’s hottest stars all warming up or jamming together before the show. Prepped for their performance, kids stop by the Family Room to wait for their turn on stage. They’re in good company as photos of the “Opry family” surround them, and tonight’s other performers are hanging out there too.
At seven minutes to showtime, kids meet the band in the rehearsal space. Five minutes to showtime, and kids are heading for the stage, where the crew is making last-minute adjustments. Nearby, “musicians and performers stand by waiting for their cue to walk on stage” while the Opry Square Dancers warm up on the sidelines.
Thirty seconds to showtime! Almost time for readers to stand center stage in the storied circle of wood cut from the Ryman Auditorium, country music’s original home. The countdown begins, and the Opry is there with encouragement. “10, 9, 8 . . . Take a deep breath . . . 7, 6, 5 . . . Don’t be nervous, you’ve got this! . . . 4, 3, 2, 1 . . . The curtain is coming up and the band is kicking off your song! Here we go!”
The reader is met with thunderous applause as the drums beat and the bass thrums. Energy and love surround them! The Opry is full of congratulations—”You did it! You made your Opry debut!” And encouragement: “Wasn’t it fun imagining what it would be like to perform on country music’s most famous stage? If you work hard and dream big enough, anything is possible!”
A brief history of the Grand Ole Opry, plus memories from Lauren Alaina, Kelsea Ballerini, Scotty McCreery, and Dolly Parton about their Opry debut follow the story.
The excitement inside the Grand Ole Opry is palpable in Emily Frans’ welcoming introduction to this historic venue, beloved by country music fans everywhere. Whether readers simply adore listening to country music or have the big stage in their sights, they’ll be enthralled with Frans’ personal, direct-address storytelling that makes them feel like one of the Opry family.
As raucous and inviting as the Grand Ole Opry itself, Susanna Chapman’s visually remarkable and whimsical collage-style illustrations are sure to have children and adults starstruck with the abundance of photographs of their favorite performers playing and singing. Fans of a certain age will be cheered to once again see Minnie Pearl with her signature “How-Dee!!!”, Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, Roy Acuff, Charlie Pride, Little Jimmy Dickens, Patsy Cline, and Deford Bailey, among others. Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, Blake Shelton, Darius Rucker, Loretta Lynn, and others are also here, while the younger generation will be wowed by Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs, Lady A, Carrie Underwood, Scotty McCreery, Chapel Hart, Post Malone, and more. And, of course, the ageless Dolly Parton is celebrated throughout.
Inspiration and aspiration meet history and tradition in Howdy! Welcome to the Grand Ole Opry!, an extraordinary tribute to this one-of-a-kind music venue and it’s stars on its 100th anniversary. The book is a must for country music fans as well as for all library collections.
Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2025 | ISBN 978-1419774249
About the Illustrator
Susanna Chapman is an illustrator, muralist, and designer. Her illustrated picture books include Covered in Color: Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s Fabrics of Freedom; Elizabeth Warren’s Big, Bold Plans; The Girl Who Ran; and Ada and the Galaxies. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee. Visit her at susannachapman.com.
You can purchase Howdy! Welcome to the Grand Ole Opry! from these booksellers
You can find rocks almost everywhere you go—from tiny pebbles to imposing boulders. Most of the time we may not pay much attention to the pebbles under our feet or the rock formations we pass frequently, but today’s holiday encourages people to really take a look at the variety of sizes and colors that make each rock unique. Rock collecting can be a fun and educational hobby as each type of stone has its own fascinating history and science to learn about. Why not get outside, do a bit of rock hunting, and start your collections today?!
Talking Rocks and Minerals: Fact-Packed Guide to Geology
Written by Paige Towler | Illustrated by Matthew Carlson
In Talking Rocks and Minerals, readers meet ace reporter Pebble, whose resume boasts, “I’m in constant conversation with the gems of geology. The rock stars of rocking the rock world. The minerals making the mentions.” And he’s not kidding! A quick scan of his notebook reveals interviews scheduled with all the big names in rock, and he’s sent an open invitation for kids to come along and hear what they have to say. First up, readers meet an igneous rock, who regales them with memories of long, long, long ago when he started out as magma then cooled to become granite, “one of the strongest stones on earth.”
From there, Pebble moves on to talk to Coal and Limestone and discovers the layered story of what it’s like being a sedimentary rock. A couple of geodes then roll by to give kids a peek of the secrets they hold inside and make their story “crystal clear.” Amethyst gives an exclusive, showing how this royal gem developed, from when “a volcano blew its top” to the gamma rays that turned it purple. Pebble then introduces kids to two types of metamorphic rock—Marble and Gneiss—that start out as one kind of stone but under pressure and heat become another.
After learning the steps to the rock cycle, kids go deep underground to meet Diamond and learn how diamonds are formed from carbon and how they appear before they’re polished to a shine. Pebble interviews other gems too, like Emerald, Sapphire, and Ruby, who shine a light on how different minerals create such a variety of colorful and valuable stones.
Emerging from underground, Pebble talks with pyrite, a shiny, golden mineral that often fooled prospectors during California’s gold rush, who has a surprising revelation to share. Continuing his walk, Pebble encounters a dinosaur fossil, who recounts how bones, leaves, and footprints become fossilized, leaving evidence of creatures and plants from eons ago. Speaking of eons ago, a trio of space rocks drop in—assuring Pebble “We come in pieces.”—to contrast asteroids from meteorites and tell how meteorites come to Earth.
Surrounded by all of his new friends, Pebbles signs off, but the learning continues. Back matter includes a glossary, a note from a geologist, a list of ideas on how kids can become rock hounds, and a bibliography of more books to check out.
Gem-packed with puns, jokes, and hard-core facts, Paige Towler’s Talking Rocks and Minerals will excite kids already enthralled with geology and spark enthusiasm in those unfamiliar with the science, variety, and history of rocks we see every day as well as the stones we prize as valuable. Towler’s accessible text will appeal to all learners, making the book an excellent resource for educators. Her conversational delivery draws children in, creating a personal connection between them and the subject that will continue as they grow in their scientific studies.
Matthew Carlson’s eye-catching pages reflect how children learn today, offering adorable interacting characters, separate panels or full-page spreads that illustrate particular facts or scientific processes, and a wealth of detail that allows children to see the layers in sedimentary rock, look inside a geode, follow the rock cycle and the preservation of prehistoric creatures in fossils, and watch an asteroid plummet through Earth’s atmosphere to become a meteorite, among so many other elements.
A brilliant teaming of author and illustrator, Talking Rocks and Minerals: Fact-Packed Guide to Geology is an enriching and enlightening STEM book that is a must for all elementary classrooms, geology-loving children, science educators, and library collections.
Ages 6 – 9
Grosset & Dunlap, 2025 | ISBN 978-0593890950
About the Author
Paige Towler is a children’s book author and poet living in Washington, DC. She loves writing scary stories, tales about animals, and nonfiction facts about the weird and wonderful world around us. Her previous picture books include Mysterious, Marvelous Octopus! (National Geographic Kids), Baby Bat Bedtime(Smithsonian Institution/Sleeping Bear Press),Yoga Animals(National Geographic Kids), and more. Visit her at paigetowler.com.
About the Illustrator
Matthew Carlson is an illustrator, game designer, and graphic designer in Northern California. He studied art and English literature at the University of California, Berkeley. He’s illustrated projects for Robert Mondavi Wines, Facebook, and Twitter, and is currently the director of UX Design for Education, Fonts, and Drawing & Painting at Adobe. Originally from Seattle, Washington, Matthew now lives in Marin, California, with his partner, two kids, two dogs, and a growing collection of rocks.
You can purchase Talking Rocks and Minerals: Fact-Packed Guide to Geology from these booksellers:
On this date in 1890, Agatha Christie was born in Torquay, Devon England. She began writing detective fiction while working as a nurse during World War 1 and published her first novel—The Mysterious Affair at Styles—in 1920. This novel introduced the world to the Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, who went on to be featured in 25 novels and many short stories. Miss Jane Marple—an insightful spinster whose world view was limited to her own small town—appeared in 1930 in Murder at the Vicarage.
Agatha Christie also wrote plays, and her works have been adapted for the big screen as well as for multiple series on television and through streaming. Agatha Christie has delighted and influenced multiple generations of readers and continues to do so. Her books have sold more than 100 million copies and have been translated into 100 languages. She died on January 12, 1976 in Wallingford, Oxfordshire. To commemorate her life, read (or reread) one of her novels or watch a movie or show based on one of Hercule Poirot’s or Miss Marple’s intriguing cases. It’s also a perfect time to introduce your kids to Agatha with today’s book!
Thank you to Twirl Books and Barbara Fisch at Blue Slip Media for sending me a copy of this book for review.
The Agatha Case Files: Welcome to Kittyville
Written by Paul Martin | Illustrated by Camille Roy
Do your kids love mysteries? Do they have “little gray cells” that can discern fact from well-disguised fiction, an eye for the telltale clue, and a natural desire to help those in distress? If so, they’ll want to join Agatha as her sidekick in solving the eight cases that make up the clever and challenging collection of mysteries in The Agatha Case Files: Welcome to Kittyville.
As Case 1: The Snatched Suitcase opens, Agatha has just departed the train at the Kittyville station “with a big dream: to become a detective.” No sooner has she stepped onto the platform when she notices Dr. Erica Poodle, a famous scientist, who’s been knocked to ground. Dr. Poodle tells Agatha that her suitcase containing the plans for her latest invention has been taken.
As Dr. Poodle reveals more about her suitcase, readers join Agatha as she investigates all the action at the train station and in the train still idling on the tracks. There’s so much for a detective to consider. There are the passengers lounging inside the train cars, those waiting outside on the platform, and even more coming and going inside the station. And then there are the painters on the roof and the workers in the station’s offices, cafe, ticket booth, and newsstand.
With her trusty binoculars, Agatha spies Dr. Poodle’s suitcase and a clue nearby. She asks her sidekick readers if they see them too. The clue whittles the number of suspects down to four. After interrogating them, Agatha turns over their statements, as well as the statement by the witness, to readers to think about. Agatha then provides three of her own insights into the case to help kids crack the case. If they need a bit more help, the solution to the case can be found in the back of the book.
The other seven mysteries that Agatha and readers investigate follow the same format: an introduction, three clues that help kids shrink the suspect pool to four, one witness statement, and finally three prompts to set kids in the right direction. These other cases take Agatha and kids to Dr. Erika Poodle’s lab, a newly inherited mansion, a museum of natural history, the Savings Bank, the Kittyville Elementary School carnival, a circus, and Agatha’s own house.
This well-conceived interactive book not only provides plenty of fun but is an excellent way to engage children in critical reading and thinking, help them develop keen observation skills, and assist in sharpening their reasoning abilities.
Paul Martin presents each case in compelling high-stakes vignettes that will pique reader’s investigative interest and get their brains whirring as they scan the crime scenes. His straightforward and easy-to-understand descriptions and prompts allow all levels of detectives to solve the cases on their own or with a bit of assistance from an adult or older sibling.
Camille Roy fills her dynamic gatefold pages with an astonishing array of details that add humor and intrigue to every case. The panoramic images boast red herrings, humor, and tons of atmospheric elements that fully flesh out each environment. These enticing details also offer opportunities for extension fun, including creating homemade “I Spy” games, counting and sorting, drawing, and making up stories about the people, families, and groups populating each scene.
The Agatha Case Files: Welcome to Kittyville is an ingenious book that will excite young sleuths and puzzle fans alike and would be a much-appreciated gift or addition to any home bookshelf or library collection. Add case-inspired snacks and each mystery would make for an entertaining family fun night too!
Ages 5 and up
Twirl Books, 2025 | ISBN 979-1036381447
About the Author
A long-time editor of a children’s magazine, Paul Martin now writes novels, puzzle books, and graphic novels for children. He lives in Lille, France.
About the Illustrator
Camille Roy is an illustrator who lives in Paris, France.
Agatha Christie’s Birthday Activity
Elements of a Mystery Word Search Puzzle
Follow the clues to solve this mystery-related word search puzzle!
Today’s holiday was conceived by the Encouragement Foundation at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas as a day to prompt people to consciously engage in encouraging and inspiring others. On September 12, 2007 Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe signed a proclamation for a “State Day of Encouragement.” President George W. Bush later established September 12 as a National Day of Encouragement. To celebrate today, cheer on your friends, coworkers, and even those you don’t know as they go about their day, attempt to reach goals, or start new endeavors. A pat on the back, a simple “you can do it!,” or a reassuring “great job!” boosts people’s self-confidence and makes the world a happier place.
Thank you to Scholastic for sending me a copy of Messi’s Magic for review.
Messi’s Magic: How Lionel Messi Became the G.O.A.T
Written by Caroline L. Perry | Illustrated by Luciano Lozano
Lionel Messi was born in Rosario, Argentina, where no matter what was going on—work or play—”everything stopped for soccer.” Leo’s brothers loved to play soccer in the backyard and Leo joined in “as soon as he could stand.” With his grandma Celia’s support, he joined the neighborhood team when he was only four years old. His first time out, he scored two goals against the older players.
At six years old, Leo joined a bigger club. As he grew older, he became a formidable player, spurred on by natural talent and his coach’s chocolate cookies. Over six seasons his skills “became even sweeter” as he scored nearly 500 goals and became the club champion. Then he was rocked by two unexpected events. First, his beloved grandma Celia died. Second, Leo was not growing taller like his teammates. Tests showed that he had a growth hormone disorder. Treatment would be expensive—more than his family could afford. While Leo’s parents worked longer hours, he worked on his skills. His practicing paid off when, at just 13, he was “offered a trial with FC Barcelona, one of Europe’s top soccer clubs.”
Even though he was nervous, “Leo dribbled, danced, and dazzled.” The team signed him right away and agreed to pay for his medical treatment. Far away from home, Leo struggled with his medicine and making friends. But Leo stayed focused, and when game days came he “dashed around defenders . . . set up stunning assists . . . glided past goalies” and made “GOAAAAALLLLLLLLL!!!” after “GOAAAAALLLLLLLLL!!!” At just seventeen, Leo joined FC Barcelona’s first team.
Now, his goals were met with the cheers of 90,000 fans, and when the team lost, Leo simply practiced harder. Whenever he made a goal, Leo “pointed two fingers up to the sky, dedicating the goals to Grandma Celia.” Now, Leo has his own soccer-obsessed family, and in Rosario “everything still stops for soccer. Especially when Leo Messi is making magic.”
Back matter includes a timeline of Leo Messi’s life, a list of his professional awards won and records set, more facts about Leo’s life and family, an Author’s Note, and an Artist’s note.
In her thrilling biography of Lionel Messi, Caroline L. Perry brings all the excitement of his phenomenal soccer skills as well as his resilience in the face of challenges to young readers. Her lyrical and descriptive storytelling hums with dynamic motion, honest emotions, and the long-held passion that kept Messi focused on his goals and his Goaaallll!s. Children—whether they play and watch soccer or engage in other activities—will find Lionel Messi’s childhood and teenage success fascinating, encouraging, and inspiring.
Luciano Lozano takes readers from Leo Messi’s backyard soccer field to the big leagues in his vibrant and realistic illustrations that spotlight Messi’s extraordinary talent and the pleasure playing gave him while also sensitively depicting his struggles with loneliness, grief, and his health. In one evocative page spread, Leo’s small stature is contrasted with the enormity of his dreams through an image of him and his shadow. The strong family support Leo enjoyed and now shares with his own children is also highlighted in heartwarming spreads.
Ages 4 – 8
Scholastic, 2025 | ISBN 978-1546179078
About the Illustrator
Luciano Lozano is an award-winning author, illustrator, and graphic artist based in Lionel Messi’s adopted city of Barcelona, Spain. Luciano’s picture books include Boys Dance by John Robert Allman, Ciao Sandro! by Steven Varni, and his very own Diana Dances. A self-taught artist who studied creative illustration in a postgraduate course at EINA University School of Design and Art of Barcelona, he also creates editorial art for newspapers and magazines worldwide. Learn more at lucianolozano.com.
Meet Caroline L. Perry
Caroline L. Perry is the author of the acclaimed picture book The Corgi and the Queen illustrated by Lydia Corry, as well as several forthcoming books for children. A lifelong soccer fan, a youth soccer coach, and mum to three soccer-obsessed kids (who can frequently be found squabbling over goal stats), Caroline also volunteers as a public-school writing instructor. She lives in Southern California with her family. Learn more at carolinelperry.com.
Today I’m chatting with Caroline L. Perry about how her newest book Messi’s Magic: How Lionel Messi became the G.O.A.T came to be, her experiences as a children’s soccer coach, and a few of her favorite small museums.
Hi Caroline! Thanks for taking the time to talk with me today! What most inspired you to write Messi’s Magic?
Since Messi signed with Inter Miami in 2023, he’s inspired young fans in a way we haven’t seen before—I like to joke that he’s the Taylor Swift of the sports world! There are already middle-grade and fact-based books about Messi’s journey, but I wanted to create something for the youngest supporters: a beautifully illustrated tribute that captures the magic of his journey from a small, shy child to the greatest soccer player of all time.
Can you share the book’s journey with readers?
Absolutely! When I write biographies, I use a ‘full immersion’ approach: I read, watch, and absorb everything I can about my subject, always looking for the story’s heart, or its ‘north star.’ Messi’s story is incredible, he overcame loss, serious illness and immense challenges on his path to greatness, and I think that’s really what makes him such a hero. Yes, he’s an exceptional player, but there are also so many elements from his life that young readers can relate to. My editor, Tracy Mack, was the perfect partner for this book, and the Scholastic team have been wonderful to work with. I couldn’t be happier with the way Messi’s Magic turned out!
What was the most surprising thing you learned while researching this book?
There were many fascinating details, but I was most surprised to learn that Messi was a very picky eater as a child, and that his incredible goal-scoring was sometimes encouraged with cookies (as someone with a very sweet tooth myself, this resonated!) I also discovered that Messi’s famous ‘two fingers to the sky’ goal celebration is actually a tribute to his late grandmother Celia, who played a huge role in nurturing his love of the game. I thought this was really beautiful, and it also tells us a lot about Messi’s character.
On your website, you mention that you’ve had fun coaching kids’ soccer. What is it about the game of soccer that would you say makes it a good experience for kids?
Me at the Inter-Miami vs LA Galaxy game with Leo Messi in the background.
Soccer is a wonderfully democratic sport—you don’t need anything except a ball, some determination and a willingness to learn. As a coach, it’s incredible to watch kids transform: I’ve seen really timid players become fearless defenders, and kids struggling with friendships form unbreakable bonds on the field. I’ve been lucky to witness so many moments of growth, teamwork, and pure elation after a win! Even in the sadder moments (following a loss, for example) magic happens when the team commiserates together.
Luciano Lozano’s realistic and action-packed illustrations really bring readers onto the field and into Leo Messi’s life. Did you get to see sketches along the way or how did the process go?
Yes! I was lucky to see sketches and artwork at various stages, and it was a very collaborative process. Luciano did an incredible job of capturing both Messi’s unique style of play and the electric energy of the stadium and crowd scenes.
Is there a certain spread that’s your favorite? If so, what makes it distinctive for you?
Oh, that’s tough! If I had to pick, it would be the spread showing Messi about to step onto the field at Camp Nou, FC Barcelona’s stadium, in front of 90,000 fans. The art radiates excitement and anticipation, and I love that Luciano included Messi’s contemporaries, Ronaldinho and Eto’o, as part of the scene. I hope young soccer fans will enjoy those details!
In your bio you mention that you love finding out-of-the-way museums. Which one of these museums stands out most in your memory and why?
There are a few! Pollocks Toy Museum in London is tiny, eccentric, and delightful, a real passion project filled with vintage treasures. Over the summer, I also took my kids to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s museum—we were the only visitors, but it was fascinating to see how pharmacy and medicine have evolved over the years. In Stockholm, we stumbled across a small Wooden Horse Museum, and I honestly wanted to take half of the exhibits home with me!
What’s the best thing about being a children’s author?
Honestly, it’s getting to engage with young readers, who are endlessly imaginative, curious, and enthusiastic. Their energy is often contagious and always inspiring!
Since this blog highlights holidays and you’ve lived in and traveled to so many countries, could you share one of your favorite global holidays and what makes it special?
My visit to a festa in Malta.
Malta, the tiny Mediterranean island where my extended family lives, will always hold a special place in my heart. The festas there are absolutely magical—each village celebrates its patron saint with music, fireworks, and food, and the whole community comes together. Malta itself is unique, with more than 7,000 years of history, and it also happens to be the setting for my recently released book, The Memory Cake.
You must have had some amazing adventures! Would you like to share a couple of them with readers?
Me and a quokka on Wadjemup/Rottnest Island, Australia.
Another unforgettable experience was visiting Wadjemup/Rottnest Island in Australia, where I had the chance to meet a quokka up close. That really was a dream come true, especially since the main character of my upcoming book, I AM NOT HAPPY!, is a misunderstood marsupial.
Argentinian flags in Buenos Aires
And then there’s Argentina, Messi’s homeland, where my husband and I honeymooned. I’d love to go back someday, hopefully to experience the joy of watching a fútbol match there. Each of these places has given me not only incredible memories but also inspiration for my writing.
What’s up next for you?
In October, my funny story about a mercurial quokka, I AM NOT HAPPY! (illustrated by Sydney Hanson) comes out with Simon & Schuster. I also have a humorous book scheduled for 2026, along with a few other exciting projects in the works. Plenty to look forward to!
Thank you so much, Caroline for stopping by and sharing so much about Messi’s Magic: How Lionel Messi Became the G.O.A.T.! I wish you all the best with this book! I’m sure kids are eager to read it—and your upcoming books as well!
National Day of Encouragement Activity
Watch Lionel Messi in Action
Be amazed by Leo Messi’s dazzling footwork in this YouTube video courtesy of Kyliann22Second!
You can purchase Messi’s Magic: How Lionel Messi Became the G.O.A.T from these booksellers
celebratepicturebooks.com 