October 29 – Bat Appreciation Week & Month

About the Holiday

It makes sense that October—with its focus on all things spooky and nocturnal—hosts Bat Appreciation Week and Bat Appreciation Month. We don’t celebrate bats this month just because they fit Halloween themes, though. Bats are cool every day of the year! Why? Scientists estimate there are 1,300 species of bats, most of which are beneficial for the areas where they live. Some bats are awesome at keeping the insect population under control. Fruit bats help distribute seeds, and other bats eat pollen, helping to pollinate foods, including bananas, guava, and agave. This month learn more about these fascinating creatures and enjoy a newest adventure of Bitsy Bat in this third book in the series!

Thank you to Beach Lane for sending me this book for review!

Bitsy Bat, Snow Star (The Bitsy Bat Series)

By Kaz Windness

Bitsy Bat’s family woke up to an unusual surprise. Winter snow had come early—even before she, mama, papa, and baby bat could begin hibernating. Mama took this as a sign that the long winter snooze should begin, but Bitsy wanted to go to school. When Bitsy’s friends, Benjamin and Winnie, stopped by to pick her up (even bringing her a “cute snow outfit”), Mama relented.

At school, to celebrate the early snow, Bitsy’s teacher Mr. Nibbles announced that instead of lessons, they’d “all enjoy the snow together.” Everyone wanted to make snow angels, and Bitsy was eager to learn how. But after she plopped into the snow and moved her wings up and down, she shivered and hoped the other activities would be more fun. But Bitsy didn’t enjoy sledding, making a snowman, or the snowball fight afterwards, either. She didn’t like being wet and cold. In fact, Bitsy decided she didn’t like snow at all. As he flew back to the classroom, she worried that she’d lose her friends if they found out.

Noticing how miserable Bitsy seemed, Mr. Nibbles took her to the reading nook to warm up. There, she found Mo and Enzo. When Bitsy asked if they didn’t like snow either, they both said they loved the snow. Bitsy was confused. Then she discovered that Mo and Enzo liked watching the snow while being warm and cozy and reading inside. She understood then that it was okay to like different things, and when Mr. Nibbles offered hot chocolate, she politely declined while asking for a bugmallow treat instead.

When the snow started falling, Bitsy had the idea to make paper snowflakes, and when the rest of the class came inside, they joined in too. When Mr. Nibbles suggested each student write their favorite snow activity on their flake, Bitsy bravely admitted that she hadn’t liked any of the outdoor activities, and was assured that that was okay. Back home, Bitsy hung her paper snowflakes then prepared with her family for their long winter hibernation.

Back matter includes a detailed discussion about autism that defines and explains important terms as well as an Author’s Note by Kaz Windness, who is herself autistic.

It’s easy to see why Kas Windness’s Bitsy Bat series—including Bitsy Bat, School Star and Bitsy Bat, Team Star—is such a beloved part of any child’s library. Told from an autistic perspective, the stories celebrate each student’s differences, and welcome readers as a friend. In Bitsy Bat, Snow Star, Bitsy steps out of her comfort zone to try a new experience. Windness invites children along to witness Bitsy proudly becoming a “snow bat” in winter clothing but also discovering that her sensory differences make the outdoor activities uncomfortable. As Bitsy’s school day progresses, Windness incorporates responses such as stimming, fawning, and autistic masking into the story.

Once inside, Bitsy demonstrates her creativity and imagination by making paper snowflakes as an alternative to real snow. Through Enzo’s, Mo’s, and Bitsy’s preference to watch the snow from the window, Windness also emphasizes that people can enjoy the same activities in different ways. Readers will find Bitsy’s bravery, worries, disappointments, and empathy relatable and her undimmable spirit inspiring.

Windness’s dialogue-rich storytelling is accompanied by her adorable and expressive illustrations that envelope readers in Bitsy’s companionable classroom, where students accept and support each other and their teacher is understanding. Other students use a wheelchair (and snow wheelchair for sledding), noise-reducing headphones, light-filtering glasses, a communication tablet, and glasses.

Whether you’re already a fan of Bitsy Bat or just getting to know her, Bitsy Bat, Snow Star would be a favorite read aloud on any home bookshelf. The book is a must for any public and school library.

Ages 4 – 8

Beach Lane, 2026 | ISBN 978-1665963664

About the Author

Kaz Windness is the author-illustrator of picture books Swim, Jim!; Bitsy Bat, School Star; Bitsy Bat, Team Star; and Bitsy Bat, Snow Star. She created the Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Level 1 Ready-to-Read Graphics book Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends, and its sequel, Worm and Butterfly Are Friends, Always; the Star Chapter Book Time Traveling Chickens series; and the Level 1 Ready-to-Reads Cat vs. Vac; Go! Go! Dino!; Squid in Pants; and Speeder Spider. Kaz is also the illustrator of Ollie, the Acorn, and the Mighty Idea by Andrew Hacket and the author of When You Love a Book, illustrated by Heather Brockman Lee. Kaz lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband, two children, and Boston terrier. Visit her at WindnessBooks.com.

National Bat Awareness Week and Month Activity

Bitsy Bat Series Media Kit

You can find a wide range of materials for the Bitsy Bat Series for educators, parents, and other caregivers, from lesson plans to animated read-alouds, to detailed hands-on activities and instructions in Kaz Windness’s Bitsy Bat Media Kit on her website.

You can purchase Bitsy Bat, Snow Star from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

October 19 – National New Friends Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Friendships and making new friends are so important to our happiness that this national holiday is actually celebrated three times a year—on January 19, July 19, and October 19. Making friends is one of the first skills little ones learn as they begin to join playgroups, music groups, daycare, and engage in other social activities. As children grow older, sharing stories about friendship, that model good examples of talking, playing, and collaborating with others is a wonderful way to expand a child’s social and emotional development. Sharing life with good friends a joy to be cherished. Start your little one off on the journey with today’s book!

Thank you to Charlesbridge and Barbara Fisch at Blue Slip Media for sending me this book for review!

Acacia: A Rapunzel Tale

Written by JaNay Brown-Wood | Illustrated by John Joven

Young Acacia lived a solitary existence, “locked up in a too-tall tower” by Ma Gothel, who gave her nothing but a single storybook to fill her time. While the stories were “filled with tales of grand journeys and brave heroes,” they never presented a brave princess or represented her actual life. Acacia’s dream was to one day have her own adventure. Every day, when she heard Ma Gothel’s voice calling, “‘Acacia, Acacia. Do let your hair flow,” Acacia dropped her long braid from the window so Ma Gothel could climb up.

Illustration copyright © 2026 by John Joven. Text copyright © 2026 by JaNay Brown-Wood. Published by Charlesbridge copyright © 2026.

One day, Acacia nervously asked when she might be able to leave the tower. Ma Gothel flew into a rage, calling Acacia ungrateful for protecting her from the “big bad wolves, evil witches, and hungry giants” in the world. Acacia protested, showing her the wonderful things in her storybook. At this, Ma Gothel plucked the book from her hands and took it away.

The next morning, while Acacia recited a favorite story, a little girl in a red cape named Mahogany heard her. She watched as Ma Gothel called for Acacia to lower her hair. After Ma Gothel left, Mahogany repeated the phrase, and climbed up. Acacia was thrilled to meet Mahogany. The girls were so excited to be friends that they planned to get together the next day—and many days after that.

During their visits, Mahogany and Acacia hatched a plan while Mahogany assured her new friend that there were more good things than bad in the world. When their project was ready, Acacia had just one request—a new do! With a quick twist-out, Acacia’s hair sprang loose just as Ma Gothel shouted out her usual request. With Acacia’s new, empowering natural hairstyle she thwarted Ma Gothel, and escaped to live the adventurous life she’d always dreamed of.

JaNay Brown-Wood’s ingenious update of the Brothers Grimm “Rapunzel” fairy tale will excite modern-day kids as Acacia and Mahogany, from Brown-Wood’s Mahogany: A Little Red Riding Hood Tale concoct a clever and self-propelled escape. Acacia and Mahogany’s fast friendship is joyfully supportive and Mahogany’s uplifting outlook on the world is welcome. Acacia’s quest for representation, independence, and adventure will resonate with all readers.

John Joven’s vibrant full-page and snapshot illustrations burst with personality, action, and fairy-tale visions as kids join Acacia in the sky-high tower dominated by the fear-mongering Ma Gothel. As Acacia and Mahogany plan Acacia’s escape, Joven presents two opposing world views, prompting kids to think and talk about their own perspective. Acacia’s unbraided hair cascades around her in a happy declaration of freedom and self-expression.

Fans of fairy tales, fractured fairy tales, and empowering stories of self-confidence and self-esteem, will treasure Acacia: A Rapunzel Tale. The book is a must for any public and school library collection and will be a favorite on home bookshelves as well.

Ages 4 – 7

Charlesbridge, 2026 | ISBN 978-1623543686

About the Author

JaNay Brown-Wood is a former early childhood professor and the author of several books for children, including Mahogany: A Little Red Riding Hood Tale, Grandma’s Tiny House, and Imani’s Moon. She also contributed to the poetry anthologies Thanku: Poems of Gratitude and No World Too Big. Much of JaNay’s work is intended to celebrate casual diversity, primarily featuring Black characters. She lives in California. Visit her at janaybrownwood.com and janaybrownwood on Instagram

About the Illustrator

John Joven is the illustrator of Mahogany: A Little Red Riding Hood Tale, The Plan for the Gingerbread House, and Preschool, Here I Come!. He grew up in Bogotá, Colombia, and studied graphic design at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia. He still lives there with his wife, Ana, and two children, Avril and Ian. When not illustrating, he enjoys spending quality time with his children, playing soccer with his friends, watching movies, and traveling. Visit him at johnjoven.com and johnjoven_illustrator on Instagram.

You can purchase Acacia: A Rapunzel Tale from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Nobel | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

October 7 – National Pumpkin Seed Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Pumpkins are everywhere right now, and rightly so! With Halloween fast approaching and Thanksgiving right around the corner, pumpkins are enjoying their time in the limelight. Pumpkins also contain a secret inside—tasty seeds! Today’s holiday celebrates these seeds, known as a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals, and other nutritional value. Pumpkin seeds, roasted and salted, provide a delicious snack on their own or a creative topping or ingredient for many dishes and baked treats. So while you’re carving a Jack-o-lantern for Halloween or making a pie for Thanksgiving, don’t forget to save some seeds for a fun family baking project and some to plant in next spring’s garden!

Thank you to Orchard Books for sending me this book for review!

Millie Fleur’s Pumpkin Problem

By Christy Mandin

As autumn comes to Garden Glen with its wilted flowers and dull colors, “the townsfolk’s joy seemed to wither.” But for Millie Fleur La Fae, fall is the best season of the year. This year she had a plan to reenergize Garden Glen with pumpkins. She ordered pumpkin seeds of all kinds and carefully planted one seed from each packet then “stored the extra seeds away” in Shed until next year. But while Millie Fleur was watering her seeds, Shed took off through the open gate and ran “scratching and strutting” through town.

While Ms. Prissypants chased Shed with her rake, his door opened and pumpkin seeds began spilling out. “As Shed bumbled and bumped his way through the town’s gardens, he left behind a trail of pumpkin seeds and Millie Fleur’s magic soil.” Soon, trailing vines began growing all over town, in yards, on roofs, even climbing down chimneys. And soon after that Garden Glen was covered in pumpkins of every size, shape, and color. The townspeople started cooking every recipe they knew, but the pumpkins kept coming.

Then Millie Fleur had the idea to open Garden Glen’s Ginormous Pumpkin Patch and hold a party. People came from all over to pick pumpkins and find all of the townspeople’s delicious treats. Every visitor even left with a free pumpkin. The day turned to night, and under the twinkling lights families were still stocking up on pumpkin treasures. And what about all those pumpkin vines? They became compost to help Garden Glen’s flowers blossom “brighter than ever” in the spring.

A page of adorable stickers follows the story.

Christy Mandin ushers in the delights of the autumn season with her adorably quirky Millie Fleur La Fae whose plans to return color and vibrancy to Garden Glen runs amok thanks to Shed’s impromptu walkabout. As the town rallies to use the bounty of pumpkins and then embraces Millie Fleur’s idea for a region-wide party, readers feel a sense of camaraderie that charms and comforts like a warm pumpkin muffin. Mandin’s enchanting storytelling will captivate readers, and her descriptions of the variety of pumpkins will have kids searching for them at their local pumpkin patch or farm store.

Christy Mandin’s cozy illustrations are a balm for busy days. Kids will relish snuggling up to enjoy time with Millie as she plans her garden, giggling at Shed as he runs about on long chicken legs, and joining Garden Glen neighbors as they cook, can, and plan their pumpkin patch party. Mandin’s glimmering twilit farmers market welcomes leisurely looking, and children will be thrilled with the included stickers that will send them back through the pages to find each image.

Whether you’re already a Millie Fleur La Fae fan or just getting to know her, Millie Fleur’s Pumpkin Problem would be a much-loved addition to any library or home collection.

Ages 4 – 8

Orchard Books, 2026 | ISBN 979-8225041335

About the Author

Christy Mandin is the author and illustrator of multiple picture books, including Millie Fleur’s Poison Garden, Millie Fleur Saves the Night, and Millie Fleur’s Worst Day Ever (October 6, 2026). She’s grown many interesting plants in her garden over the years but, so far, none with teeth or tentacles. She currently lives in Georgia with her husband and four children. Visit Christy online at christymandin.com.

National Pumpkin Seed Day Activity

Acorn Pumpkins and Jack-O’-Lanterns

With acorns falling tap, tap, tap all around, and other delicious nuts readily available in grocery stores and farmers markets, autumn is the perfect time for this craft that turns nuts into pumpkins!

Supplies

Acorns or walnuts
Orange multi-surface acrylic craft paint or spray paint
Paint brush
Black, fine tip marker

Directions

For Acorns

Remove the caps
If using acorns for crafts that will be kept long-term, follow these Directions for Drying Acorns
Hold the acorn with the flat side down. The little tip will serve as the pumpkin’s stem.
Paint the acorn, leaving the just the tip brown, let dry
With the flat side down, draw a face on your “pumpkin.” Let dry
Use your little pumpkin in decorations around your house or make a tiny pumpkin patch in a box or jar lid with paper, sticks, leaves or other material

For Walnuts or Other Store-Bought Nuts

If you live in an area where there are no oak trees, you can use walnuts or other nuts available in grocery stores or elsewhere. These do not need to be baked before using.
Paint and decorate according to the above directions

You can purchase Millie Fleur’s Pumpkin Problem from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

October 2 – National Book Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

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

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

Flutter, Flap, Fly!

Written by Ellen Mayer | Illustrated by Estelle Corke

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ages 3 – 6

Star Bright Books, 2026 | ISBN 978-1649091000

About the Author

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

About the Illustrator

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

National Book Month Activity

Soar and Swoop! Wings Craft

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

Supplies

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

Directions

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

About Elise B.

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

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

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

Picture Book Review

September 30 – National Friendship Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Do you have friends you haven’t seen or talked to in a while? Is there a new person in your office or a new classmate at 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, say hello, and learn a bit about 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!

Thank you to Salaam Reads for sharing a digital copy of this book with me for review!

Our Favorite Day of the Week

Written by Ashley Franklin | Illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell

It’s Monday morning and Musa has just tied his shoes by himself for the first time. He’s excited to share the news with Zohra, his classmate and next door neighbor. Up until now, she was the only one in their class who could tie her shoes. But when they meet on the sidewalk, Musa can tell Zohra is distracted. She’s already thinking about tomorrow. Tuesday is her favorite day of the week because she always gets to wave at the sanitation workers, Mr. Joey and Mr. Brown, who call her a “‘superstar recycling sorter,'” but tonight she and her family are leaving on a trip.

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Rahele Jomepour Bell. Text copyright © 2026 by Ashley Franklin. Published by Salaam Reads copyright © 2026.

Musa is empathetic. He says, “‘I’d feel sad if I missed my favorite day too.'” His favorite day is Wednesday, when his father takes him and his brother to swim class. After the lesson is over, “‘they always had the best of times splashing together.'” As Musa and Zohra continue through the neighborhood, they meet more of their classmates, who are excited to share stories about their favorite days. Zadie can’t wait for Grandma Day on Thursday. Every Thursday her grandmother picked her up from school and they did crafts—sewing, movie making, art projects—together all afternoon. In her room, everywhere she looked “‘she was reminded of all the fun they had had.'”

Mo wished every day could be Friday because “‘Shabbat dinner was the best of all dinners—of all meals, even!'” He recounts going to synagogue with his family, lighting candles, and having challah—”‘the best of all breads!'” “Everyone could see why Friday was Mo’s favorite.” When Zadie prompts Luna to tell them about her favorite day, she reveals that she looks forward to Saturday when she goes to the Chinese cultural center to learn Mandarin and about her culture. She offers to teach her classmates Chinese words at recess.

When the group arrives at school, they meet up with Moisés. The kids share their conversation, and Moisés offers that Sunday is his favorite day because after going to church, he goes to the park with his family and watches them play fútbol against other families. He can’t wait until he’s old enough to play soccer too. Soon, it’s time to enter the classroom and sit on the rug for circle time. Ms. Gupta starts off with the day of the week and a surprising admission that Monday is her favorite day of the week because she feels happy to see all her students again—a feeling that means she’s “‘doing something [she] loves with the people [she cares] about.'”

Back matter includes an interesting discussion on which day is considered the first day of the week around the world and information on which Roman or Norse god the days are named for.

Ashley Franklin’s charming story captures the sweet and serious cadence of conversations with and between young children. Her endearing cast of characters, each with their own distinct personality, shows pride and enthusiasm for family activities that make a certain day of the week their favorite. Franklin’s inclusion of the repeated refrain revealing that “everyone could see why” a particular day is a favorite for each friend, builds camaraderie among children and an awareness of their community. Readers will eagerly look forward to hearing each child’s story and sharing which day of the week is their favorite and why.

Rahele Jomepour Bell’s warm-toned illustrations immediately invite readers into this enchanting group of friends. Her delightful depictions of each child’s favorite activity immerse kids in the sights, sounds, and feelings generated in each place through realistic details that can inspire conversations at home or in the classroom.

Ages 4 – 8

Salaam Reads/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2026 | ISBN 978-1665935678

About the Author

Ashley Franklin is the author of Not Quite Snow White; “Creative Fixes” from the anthology Once Upon an Eid; “Situationally Broke” from the anthology What We Didn’t Expect; Better Together, Cinderella; The Masjid Kamal Loves; and more. Ashley received her master’s degree in English literature from the University of Delaware. She is an adjunct college instructor and proud mom. Ashley currently resides in Arkansas with her family. Visit her at ashleyfranklinwrites.com.

About the Illustrator

Rahele Jomepour Bell is an illustrator of several picture books, including Our Favorite Day of the Year by A. E. Ali on the Salaam Reads list. Rahele came to the United States from Iran in 2011 and pursued her dream of studying art at Iowa State University where she received her MFA in integrated visual arts. She believes all people share a common home in planet Earth, but may differ in their skin color, way of life, and their thinking. She loves these differences and believes this is what makes the world a beautiful place to live. Visit her at RaheleStudio.com.

You can purchase Our Favorite Day of the Week from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

September 28 – National Guide Dog Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

National Guide Dog Month celebrates the extraordinary skills of guide dogs and the organizations, professionals, and volunteers involved in breeding, raising, and training them. The recognition also raises funds and awareness to support the work of guide dog schools across the country. The observance was created in 2009 by the late actor Dick Van Patten, best known for the television series Eight Is Enough and co-founder of pet food company Natural Balance. The holiday has long been supported by the Petco Foundation. Another focus of the holiday is to educate people on how to behave around working guide dogs and the access rights of handlers. To learn more about National Guide Dog Month, visit awarnessdays.com.

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

Eltie Takes the Lead: A Guide Dog’s Tail

Written by Molly Burke with Elton John Burke | Illustrated by Ziyue Chen

Meet Eltie! As he describes himself, he’s “a big black dog with a tail as fluffy as a feather duster” that never stops wagging; “warm brown eyes like gooey chocolate chips,” a white patch of fur on his chest shaped like a heart; and “a very important job.” He teases some possibilities before revealing that he is a service dog for Molly, who is blind and able to see “only light and dark.” Eltie explains that Molly reads braille with her fingers instead of words with her eyes—and provides a sample for children to try.

Image copyright © 2926 by Ziyue Chen. Text copyright © 2026 by Molly Burke. Published by Abrams Books for Young Readers copyright © 2026.

Eltie proudly tells readers that he went to school for two years to learn special skills before earning the title of Guide Dog. He then invites readers along as he and Molly walk through a park, into the city, and finally to school, pointing out ways he helps Molly avoid bumping into things, find a place to sit when she needs a break, cross the street, and make her way up stairs. While Molly participates in class, Eltie naps, then it’s time to help her navigate the lunch room, recess, and the trip back home. During the day, he even gets time to be “off the clock” and have fun, get cuddles, and roll in the grass like non-working dogs. Eltie dreams about what he and Molly—”the perfect team”—will do the next day, when, once again, he’ll “be ready to take the lead.”

Molly Burke introduces children to the life of a guide dog through Eltie, whose effervescent personality draws children into the professional and playful relationship between Molly and her companion. Burke’s buoyant storytelling shines with humor, pride, and the dedication of a reliable friend and helper. As readers learn about the education guide dogs undergo, the number of tasks they’re trained to do, and even the discipline they acquire to disregard some natural instincts while working, they will gain an in-depth understanding of the intelligence of these service dogs as well as how crucial they are to helping those who are blind enjoy independence.

Burke’s remarkable biographical book goes beyond her story, however, to include tactile elements that allow readers to feel Eltie’s shaggy coat, see the type of light-and-dark shadowy vision Molly has, and read a passage of the text in braille. Children and adults will want to linger over this braille paragraph and compare it to the printed text on the facing page to pick out individual letters, study word patterns, and feel the dots under their fingertips.

Ziyue Chen’s bright and joyful illustrations allow children to spend a day with Molly and Eltie as they navigate the city, attend school, and enjoy well-deserved playtimes. Eltie is adorable, eager, and alert to Molly’s needs—watching for cars, aware of doors and stairs, and always looking ahead to keep Molly safe. Eltie’s frisky nature is depicted in amusing suggestions of other jobs he might do before revealing himself as a service dog.

Uplifting and educational, Eltie Takes the Lead: A Guide Dog’s Tail is a singular book that will appeal to all dog lovers and those fascinated by animal-human teamwork. The book is a must for all public and school libraries and would be a favorite for classroom and home story times.

Ages 4 – 7

Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2026 | ISBN 978-1419778230

About the Author

Molly Burke is a blind public speaker, content creator, consultant, model, and author. With more than five million followers across social media, she uses her platform to advocate for greater inclusivity and representation at every touchpoint, uplifting and empowering others. Molly is a Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient who has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, People, Paper, Forbes, Adweek, Teen Vogue, and Allure and appeared on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah and Today. She is based in Los Angeles. Visit her at mollyburkeofficial.com.

About the Illustrator

Raised on Sunny Island (Singapore), Ziyue Chen, aka Angeline, lives with her husband, Zw, and her two darling children. Dabbling in art was her form of escape from the struggles and confusion of growing up deaf. This led her to discover the beauty of how the art communicates with the viewer. Her life goal has been to have an emotional connection with those who view her work. She enjoys visualizing stories through illustrations, working on mostly children’s books. Visit her at ziyuechen.com.

National Guide Dog Month Activity

Guide Dogs for the Blind Activity Pack

Kids can have fun while learning about the training and work of guide dogs with the puzzles and activities provided by Guide Dogs for the Blind, one of the largest guide dog schools in the world. In this Activity Pack, children will find instructions on making an origami puppy, a page where they can decode a braille message, a coloring page, a word search puzzle, a crossword puzzle, and a word scramble. Answers are included. To learn more visit guidedogs.com.

Guide Dogs for the Blind Activity Pack

You can purchase Eltie Takes the Lead: A Guide Dog’s Tail from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

September 23 – The Autumn Equinox

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, fall has arrived! If you live in the Southern Hemisphere, welcome to spring! Today, the hours of daytime and nighttime will be equal, ushering in a changing of the seasons. For some that means cooler weather, shorter days, and a slowing down in nature which leads to our being able to enjoy the brilliant reds, yellows, and oranges in the leaves of certain trees, cozy recipes, and fun fall holidays. For others nature is just awakening, with all the beauty that warm weather and new growth bring. Wherever you live, enjoy the activities and events ushered in with the change in season!

Thank you to Greystone Kids for sending me this book for review!

Henri and the Secret Letters

By Fanny Ducassé | Translated by David Warriner

Even before Henri the Badger awoke on the first day of fall (his favorite season), Mr. Mulot, the mail owl, slipped a mysterious letter under Henri’s door. Henri notices it immediately while heading to the kitchen to make cinnamon cookies—”one of his favorite fall treats.” The envelope was sealed with a heart, and the short letter read, “Dear Henri, I love the twinkle in your eye. Signed: A secret sender.” Henri was puzzled. He usually kept himself to himself. He couldn’t imagine who his secret admirer was.

Text and illustration copyright © 2026 by Fanny Ducassé. Translation copyright © 2026 by David Warriner. Published by Greystone Kids copyright © 2026.

After breakfast, he put on his “favorite fall outfit and dug out his cookbook of cozy recipes” before taking a leisurely walk in the woods among the tiny creatures and brilliantly colored foliage. He pondered: “was there really a twinkle in his eye?” Later, Henri was working in his kitchen, when Mimi the skunk knocked on his door. Henri never had many visitors, but he had just made pumpkin cake and hot chocolate, and the two sat in front of the wood stove savoring this special treat. Henri considered: “could she be the secret sender?” They were so different.

When another letter appeared the next day, Henri dismissed his thought about Mimi with a pang of disappointment, because this time the sender said they shared so much in common. Still, the sender included a recipe for potato leek soup and invited Henri to write back with instructions on where to leave his reply as their address was a secret. Henri’s “heart fluttered just a bit” as he drew a picture and enclosed a recipe for creamy mushroom pasta.

The annual Fall Festival was to be held the next week, and everyone was preparing for the big day. “But Henri’s head was in the clouds,” because he’d already received a reply—the most tantalizing letter yet. It relayed an invitation to meet at the Fall Festival and offered a clue as to how Henri could recognize his pen pal. A recipe for Vanilla Pudding was included. On the day of the festival, the animals—all sporting costumes—met in the woods where a long table was set with scrumptious treats. Catching a whiff of the clue he’d been given, Henri soon discovered the secret sender. Happily surprised, Henri now considered everything he and his friend had in common. When it came time to make a wish, Henri wished for “many more letters . . . and delicious dishes to savor” with his new friend.

Get ready to snuggle in for fall and winter with Fanny Ducassé’s heartwarming story of wonder, comfort, and friendship, delightfully blended with cozy recipes that children will love to make with a little help or supervision. In her dulcet storytelling, Ducassé perfectly captures the comforts of solitude, the giddiness of seeing yourself anew through another’s eyes, and the flowering of self-confidence, while gently cautioning against preconceived notions.

Ducassé’s markers-and-pen illustrations of Henri’s woodland home, burnished in spicy golds, forest greens, and molasses browns (not fully represented in the images above) convey Henri’s contemplative nature in dreamy scenes of his pondering the first secret letter, getting dressed, and wandering through the woods in images that play with time and his distracted thoughts. With the introduction of Mimi and Henri’s proclamation that they are “very different,” astute readers may begin noticing the ways they are similar well before Henri does. Ducassé’s immersive illustrations show a beautiful cohesion of colors, textures, and shapes across her pages that allow readers to float along with Henri in his preoccupation, while also appreciating her small details that elevate her homey scenes.

David Warriner’s lovely English translation from Ducassé’s original French encapsulates the cadence of Henri’s solitary musings and gentle jolts of possibility he experiences with each new letter.

Welcoming, whimsical, and thoroughly enchanting, Henri and the Secret Letters will captivate readers of all ages and keep them coming back to try each of the six delicious recipes included. The book would make a much-appreciated gift and a standout addition to any home or library collection.

Ages 4 – 8+

Greystone Kids, 2026 | ISBN 978-1778403644

About the Author

After getting a degree in modern literature, Fanny Ducassé began studying fashion design and model making at the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne, where she developed an interest in children’s book illustration. Fanny Ducassé lives in Paris. Henri and the Secret Letters is her first book available in English. Follow her on Instagram.

About the Translator

David Warriner grew up in the UK and escaped to Quebec right after graduating from Oxford. A professional translator for more than two decades, David nurtures a healthy passion for reading and has translated a range of fiction, nonfiction, and children’s fiction titles by French and Québécois authors for Canadian and UK publishers. David translated Super Space Weekend and Super Ocean Weekend, also published by Greystone Kids. Visit him at davidwarriner.com.

Autumn Equinox Activity

celebrate-pciture-books-picture-book-review-fall-leaves-matching-puzzle

Falling for Fall Matching Puzzle

These kids are having fun in the leaves. Can you find the matching leaves in this printable Falling for Fall Puzzle?

You can purchase Henri and the Secret Letters from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

About the Holiday

Bitsy Bat, Snow Star (The Bitsy Bat Series)

By Kaz Windness

National Bat Awareness Week and Month Activity

Bitsy Bat Series Media Kit

Share this:

About the Holiday

Acacia: A Rapunzel Tale

Written by JaNay Brown-Wood | Illustrated by John Joven

Share this:

About the Holiday

Millie Fleur’s Pumpkin Problem

By Christy Mandin

National Pumpkin Seed Day Activity

Acorn Pumpkins and Jack-O’-Lanterns

Share this:

About the Holiday

Flutter, Flap, Fly!

Written by Ellen Mayer | Illustrated by Estelle Corke

National Book Month Activity

Soar and Swoop! Wings Craft

About Elise B.

Share this:

About the Holiday

Our Favorite Day of the Week

Written by Ashley Franklin | Illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell

Share this:

About the Holiday

Eltie Takes the Lead: A Guide Dog’s Tail

Written by Molly Burke with Elton John Burke | Illustrated by Ziyue Chen

National Guide Dog Month Activity

Guide Dogs for the Blind Activity Pack

Share this:

About the Holiday

Henri and the Secret Letters

By Fanny Ducassé | Translated by David Warriner

Autumn Equinox Activity

Falling for Fall Matching Puzzle

Share this: