August 7 – National Dog Month

About the Holiday

Established in 2020 by Milk-Bone and the J.M. Smucker Company, National Dog Month celebrates those special companions that give us so much love and enjoyment every day and encourages dog owners to show their pets extra attention during the leisurely days of August. Dogs love being with their humans, so why not give your pet a special treat or take them for a longer than usual walk? If you’re contemplating adding a pet to your family, this month may be a good time to make the move and visit your local shelter to adopt a new family member!

Thanks to Margaret K. McElderry Books for sending me a copy of this book for review!

Milton Makes a Move (Noodle and Jonathan)

Written by Jonathan Graziano | Illustrated by Dan Tavis

Milton enjoyed his home with it’s big yard and lots of other dogs to play with. These other dogs all dreamed of finding a permanent home of their own, and while “Milton liked most adventures”—as any pug would—he thought having a family was “too good to be true.” But one day he learned that he was moving in with a new family. The idea made him nervous. His mind swirled with so many “what ifs.”

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Dan Tavis. Text copyright © 2026 by Jonathan Graziano. Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books.

Still, he was soon on a plane and despite his worries, he was determined to be brave. He was met at his destination by a man named Jonathan, who seemed excited—as well as a bit nervous—to meet him. “Milton offered his head up for pats,” and Jonathan obliged, smiling. Milton felt better. As Milton explored his new home, he found many comforting and familiar things—like his favorite snacks and a welcoming bed. He also saw lots of pictures of Jonathan’s last pug, Noodle, having amazing adventures. When a sudden thunderstorm frightened Milton, Jonathan was right there with his comforting lap to snooze on.

The next day while making friends in his new backyard, Milton noticed that Jonathan seemed nervous about one particular black-and-white striped friend. He “boofed” at it until it ran off and then comforted Jonathan just as Jonathan had done for him the day before. Jonathan praised him as “the Very Best Boy,” and Milton felt proud. The longer Milton was with Jonathan, the braver he became. He and Jonathan had fun at home as well as many outdoor adventures, always taking care of each other and learning to be brave together no matter what.

Whether you and your kids are already fans or followers of Jonathan Graziano and his love for pugs (Noodle and the No Bones Day and Noodle Conquers Comfy Mountain) or are new to their sweet relationships, you will delight in Milton Makes a Move. Kids will cheer on the endearing pug Milton as he overcomes his worries about leaving the rescue home he knows for a forever home with Jonathan. Children who feel similarly anxious about change and trying new things or are sensitive to sensory issues will relate to Graziano’s straightforward and emotionally resonant storytelling.

A welcome theme in this story embraces the idea that the adventure of life is a collaboration between friends who truly care about each other, accepting their fears and worries and bolstering them when needed. Both Milton and Jonathan demonstrate that the courage to be brave is found within each person, giving young readers support and understanding as they face new challenges. Children will appreciate Graziano’s honest and uplifting ending that also reassures them that they are not alone in their feelings.

Dan Tavis combines whimsical and realistic imagery in his energetic and emotionally expressive pages that show Milton and Jonathan’s growing friendship and reliance on each other. Children will love pointing out all of Milton’s new friends and “boof, boofing” along with him as he finds his voice and happiness with Jonathan.

A sweet, uplifting, and confidence-building story, Milton Makes a Move will cheer young readers and is highly recommended for all library collections.

Ages 4 – 8

Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2026 | ISBN 979-8347108947

About the Author

Jonathan Graziano is a Rochester native who currently resides in New York City. His eternal muse, Noodle, continues to inspire him each and every day. It is Jonathan’s hope that through this story he can continue Noodle’s legacy of spreading joy and kindness and encourage others to adopt and/or rescue a senior pet next time they’re looking to add a new member to their family. You can find Jonathan on TikTok and Instagram at @JonGraz.

About the Illustrator

Dan Tavis is illustrator living in New Hampshire. He has been doodling ever since his first math class in elementary school! He is the New York Times bestselling illustrator of Noodle and the No Bones Day, Common Critters,and Fluffy McWhiskers Cuteness Explosion, among other projects. Learn more at DanTavis.com.

National Dog Month Activity

Find a Friend Matching Puzzle

Dogs and their humans often have personalities or even their appearance in common. Can you match up these sweet pups with their new best friend in this Find a Friend Matching Puzzle?

Find a Friend Matching Puzzle with Light Green Border | Find a Friend Matching Puzzle with No Border

You can purchase Milton Makes a Move from these booksellers

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Picture Book Review

June 14 – National Mac & Cheese Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Is there any more universally loved dish than macaroni and cheese? This tasty combo makes a perfect meal or side dish, one beloved by generations of gourmets. In fact, Thomas Jefferson was known as a mac & cheese aficionado, even importing parmesan cheese and macaroni for his Virginia estate after eating it in Italy and France. Going back a little farther, cooks in medieval England also relied on this staple, making a familar-sounding cheese and macaroni casserole called makerouns. And the boxed dinner we love so well? That was the brainchild of James Lewis Kraft, who answered a need for a satisfying meatless dish during the Great Depression. Who knows how far back this delicious concoction goes? Perhaps the moon really is made of (macaroni and) cheese!

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

Mac & Cheese: The Origin Story (Delicious Duos Series)

Written by Michael L. Benner | Illustrated by Alison Hawkins

Even though Mac lived in Pastaland and was surrounded by noodles all the time, he couldn’t find a friend. He even twisted himself out of shape, and while this did attract more attention, it didn’t make him happy. He decided to “set sail across the Sea of Snacks” to try and meet a friend. He traveled from island to island, but none of the Snacks he encountered liked his jokes, his silly songs, or his games. He was just as sad as before. “My name should be Macalonely!” he told himself. Still, Noodles never gave up, so with the help of a sturdy pretzel stick, he climbed Mt. Cheddar, hoping to find a friend on the other side.

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Alison Hawkins. Text copyright © 2026 by Michael L. Benner. Courtesy of Orchard Books.

“Meanwhile . . . in Quesoland, Cheese was king.” Cheese reigned over all kinds of quesos, from sweet to nutty to smelly to even cheese in a can. But among all these quesos, King Cheese had no friend. “I feel so provolonely,” he told himself. He thought that becoming softer would help, but that only led to chaos. Being mature and firm didn’t work either. Finally, the king “boxed himself up in the Royal Cottage of Cheese” feeling blue.

But one day a stranger came to Quesoland, and the townscheeses needed their king. He was whisked off to meet . . . Mac! Someone thought he was “an impasta.” Another could only exclaim, “Holy macaroni!” But Mac broke out his jokes, and the quesos laughed! They thought he was “pasta-tively hilarious!” He melted right into their community, and King Cheese, himself, showed Mac around. Mac thought Quesoland was a perfect fit for him and so did the King. In fact, they both discovered what they’d been looking for!

Michael L. Benner cuts straight to the humor in his pun-tastic story that reveals how Mac & Cheese came together to create the enduring dynamic duo, who saves mealtime every time! With plenty of jokes, witty repartee, and—did I mention puns?, Benner riffs on all varieties of food, inviting kids to find their favorites in his funny tale. Underpinning themes of friendship, perseverance, and staying true to yourself add depth to the story for a satisfying read aloud.

Alison Hawkins’ delectable illustrations begin under the dust jacket as the front and back covers open up to create a vibrant map of Mac’s journey from Pastaland to Quesoland. Inside, Hawkins eye-catching pages will keep kids’ eyes roving from signs to landmarks to the characters, themselves, to catch all of the clever puns and jokes this book serves up. Hawkins charming flair for details makes Pastaland and Quesoland delicious destinations for all readers.

For kids who love puns, visual humor, and, of course, everyone’s favorite comfort food, Mac & Cheese: The Origin Story will be asked for again and again, making it a delicious pick for public, school, and home libraries.

Ages 4 – 8

Orchard Books, 2026 | ISBN 978-1546140764

About the Author

Michael L. Benner finds a story in every food pair he sees (and eats)! He loves to write humorous, punny picture books that make kids and adults laugh, and maybe groan a little, too. He lives and writes in Central Texas with his wife, son, and dog (who acts like a cat). Visit him at michaelbennerwritesbooks.com.

About the Illustrator

Alison Hawkins is an illustrator based in Durham, North Carolina. She started her career as a graphic designer, and went on to work as a product designer, illustrating for apparel, toys, and greeting cards. Some of her clients include American Greetings, Universal Standard, Target, and Discover Durham. Visit her at alisonhawkinsportfolio.com.

National Mac & Cheese Day Activity

Mac & Cheese: The Origin Story Activity Pages

Kids will love digging into these Mac & Cheese: The Origin Story activity pages to satisfy their craving for creativity!

You can purchase Mac & Cheese: The Origin Story from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble (B&N Exclusive Edition) | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

June 8 – National Raspberry Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

What is summer without the luscious taste of raspberries? These little berries are perfect for breakfast in your yogurt, for lunch as an upgrade for a usual peanut butter and jam sandwich, and for dinner in a special sauce or salad. And of course there are so many ways raspberries can elevate dessert! Raspberries can even make an outing with friends so much better, as you’ll see in today’s book. So while these favorite treats are in season, plan a trip to a farmers market or a pick-your-own field for a berry fun day!

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

Just for Today (A Maybe Tomorrow Book)

Written by Charlotte Agell | Illustrated by Ana Ramírez González

As soon as Norris sees Elba, he can tell that she’s been up all night worrying. He offers to talk about it with her, but she declines. Norris tries another tack, telling Elba “‘sometimes worry is when you tell yourself the wrong story'” and suggesting that “‘just for today'” she tries telling herself “‘a different story.'” Elba is game to try. To start off, Norris decides on a happy ending to aim for then prompts a story with Elba’s help about two good friends who sail off on their boat.

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Ana Ramírez González. Text copyright © 2026 by Charlotte Agell. Courtesy of Scholastic.

Elba is excited to hear they have a boat, which inspires Norris to actually build a boat with wood and nails he has lying around. Elba helps, and soon they have the Adventure to float down the river to have a picnic. On shore, Norris unpacks their basket to find lots of goodies. . . but no Elba? Where could she be? Norris was “having too many thoughts. All those thoughts were turning into worries!”

Suddenly, Elba finds herself sailing off with the current and then, with a bump, she’s in the water. Realizing Norris can’t hear her cries for help, she finds her way to shore and clambers onto dry land. There, in front of her, is a raspberry thicket full of luscious fruit—her and Norris’s favorite! She nibbles a red raspberry while singing a comforting song to herself then sets off up the riverbank to find her friend. When she’s greeted by one of the butterflies that always hovers around Norris, Elba knows she is on the right path.

Norris, meanwhile, is full of worries that only grow as he tries not to worry. But then, he hears a voice he recognizes, and soon Elba appears. She’s surprised to learn that Norris was worried and that “everyone worries sometimes.” Elba pulls Norris along to see the raspberries she found, as they talk about how their worries actually helped them. They list the things they’ve lost as well as the things they haven’t and celebrate the raspberries they can have for lunch. They finish the story they were telling—short and sweet and all about their friendship—and it will always be their favorite.

Charlotte Agell’s Just for Today, the second book in her Maybe Tomorrow series brings best friends Elba and Norris back together to reassure young readers when they feel worried or overwhelmed. Through her gentle storytelling, Agell lets children know that they are not alone in experiencing the physical jitters and swirling thoughts that can feel paralyzing while giving them a concrete way to reframe the ideas in their mind. Her advice to concentrate on “just today” or simply a task at hand helps kids manage their emotions which fosters self-confidence. This lesson is clearly demonstrated through Elba and Norris’s close friendship, Elba’s uplifting internal dialogue, and the way Elba counters Norris’s regrets on losing their boat and food with positive aspects of the day.

Ana Ramírez González’s vibrant mixed-media illustrations engage readers with lovely landscapes and sweetly drawn depictions of Elba and Norris together. Norris and Elba’s changing emotions are evident and realistic, subtly moving between worry, fear, happiness, and contentment and giving children and adults a range of feelings to talk about.

Comforting and affirming, Just for Today is a balm for the worries and uncertainties of daily life and a book that children and adults will love to share.

Ages 4 – 8

Scholastic Press, 2026 | ISBN 978-1546181323

About the Author

Charlotte Agell was born in Norsjo, Sweden, and grew up in Montreal, Canada. She is the mother of two grown children and is a retired public-school teacher living in Maine. Charlotte is the author and illustrator of several picture books, chapter books, and young adult fiction published in Canada and abroad. Her Scholastic Press debut, Maybe Tomorrow? was hailed by School Library Journal as a story that offers “hope that the world can be a beautiful place.” Learn more at charlotteagell.com.

About the Illustrator

Ana Ramírez González is a New York Times bestselling illustrator, as well as a film director, production designer, and visual development artist who has worked on many high-profile films, including Pixar’s Academy Award-winning Coco. Ana grew up in Guanajuato, Mexico, and lives in San Francisco, California. Learn more about her work at anaramirezgonzalez.com.

National Raspberry Day Activity

Just for Today Activity Pages

Kids can help Elba get together with Norris for a day of fun and write their own story in these two Just for Today Activity Pages from Scholastic!

You can purchase Just for Today from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

July 2 – National Pickle Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

July is made for picnics and picnics are made for pickles! If your sandwich or hot dog is just not the same without the tang of pickles or you love nothing more than biting into a crunchy gherkin, dill, or other variety, then this holiday is for you! Instituted in 1949 with encouragement by the Pickle Packers, this observance celebrates the popularity of pickles. An eye-popping 5,200,000 pounds of pickles are eaten in the US every year! Pickles have a storied history, going back thousands of years to 2030 BC, when pickling was used as a preservative. Even Cleopatra and Julius Caesar lauded the beauty and strengthening properties of pickles! So, if you relish pickles by themselves or incorporated into your favorite dish—enjoy!

Thanks to Tundra Books for sending me this book for review!

The Wise Pickle

Written by Sarah Howden | Illustrated by Sabina Hahn

One day, a pickle appeared “on the side of the road, against the wall of a dry cleaners” and, speaking into the ether, took stock. “‘I am a pickle on the side of the road. . . I have lived a lot of life.'” Hearing this, animals began to gather and seek answers from the pickle’s seemingly vast store of knowledge. A rat propped the pickle upon a pillow, and from there it made pronouncements, both philosophical and mystical. When a mouse offered the pickle a crumb, the pickle said, “‘I’m here to feed others, not to eat.'”

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Sabina Hahn. Text copyright © 2026 by Sarah Howden. Courtesy of Tundra Books.

Over hours and days, this gherkin guru’s followers hung on its every word, even as their mentor shriveled in the hot sun. Their questions ranged from the proverbial “‘Why are we here?'” to the more pointed “‘How did you get here?'” The pickle was generous with its answers, revealing that it “‘used to live underwater . . . in a salty brine like the sea, but with more garlic,'” and sharing its inauspicious, yet shocking, past and its last wishes.

As the pickle’s prospects grew bleak, the animals accommodated its final desire and gathered to say goodbye. But this extraordinary pickle’s mission is not finished. In fact, its influence may just be taking off.

Smart, funny, and steeped in the tart and tangy pleasures of absurdism, Sarah Howden’s ingenious story will keep kids and adults laughing at its melding of droll humor, parody, and endearing characters. Her deft touch with straightforward storytelling amplifies her beguiling descriptions and laugh-out-loud dialogue, leaving readers happily enlightened. Howden’s enigmatic hero is one readers will never forget.

From the moment the pickle bounces onto the scene, Sabina Hahn’s deadpan graphite pencil and watercolor illustrations hilariously trace the pickle’s elevation from sidewalk curiosity to enthroned guru. The pickle’s wide, staring eyes express subtle emotions as the animals gather, their paws clasped in reverence as they lean in to learn his story and absorb his wisdom. Infused with sincerity, Hahn’s simply composed images are as charming as they are farcical, a perfect match for Sarah Howden’s story.

The Wise Pickle is a hilarious, contemplative story that all ages will eat up and request again and again. It is a must for any library or home collection and would make a delectable gift for any child.

Ages 4 – 8

Tundra Books, 2026 | ISBN 978-1774886984

Sarah Howden is the author of several books for children, including Cone Cat, Cone Dog and The Tunnel. Her poems have been published in Grain and Jones Av., and stories in Chirp and Chickadee magazines. Sarah is also an editor at Orca Book Publishers, where she enjoys helping other writers sculpt their stories. She works out writing conundrums on walks around her neighborhood or by distracting herself with snacks (she won’t say no to a crunchy pickle). Having grown up in the Niagara Region, she now lives in Toronto with her husband, daughter, and two mischievous cats. Follow her on Instagram.

Illustrator, animator and sculptor Sabina Hahn has been a voracious reader and an unstoppable doodler her whole life, which has led her into the world of children’s books. She loves stories, tall tales and most importantly, pickles. Sabina grew up in Riga, Latvia, and now lives in New York. Visit her at sabinahahn.com.

National Pickle Month Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-pickle-maze

Pack a Peck of Pickles Puzzle

The pickle jar has toppled over! Can you pick up the pickles in the maze to pack them in the jar again?

Pack a Peck of Pickles Puzzle | Pack a Peck of Pickles Puzzle Solution

You can purchase The Wise Pickle from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

June 4 – National Hug Your Cat Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

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

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

Kitty Caterpillar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ages 3 – 6

Balzar + Bray, 2026 | ISBN 978-1250469038

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

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

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

National Hug Your Cat Day Activity

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

Match the Kittens Puzzle

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

You can purchase Kitty Caterpillar from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

May 4 – Children’s Book Week

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Founded in 1919, Children’s Book Week is the longest-running literacy initiative in the United States and takes place over two separate weeks each year. This year that means from May 4 – 10 and November 9 – 15. The 2026 theme is Books: Get Curious, and the official poster and other resources were created by award-winning author and illustrator Grace Lin. The holiday attracts participation from authors, illustrators, publishers, librarians, teachers, and booksellers in schools, libraries, bookstores, and communities across the country. To learn more about the holiday, find activity ideas, and download bookmarks, posters, multilingual coloring pages, and more, visit Every Child a Reader. You can even sign up to continue to get fantastic ideas for connecting with books and reading all year around!

Thanks to Beach Lane Books for sending me this book for review!

Little Ghost’s Summerween

By Maggie Edkins Willis

One day, Little Ghost received a birthday party invitation in the mail—his first ever. The idea of a birthday party made him feel nervous. Even after haunting his old house for a hundred years, he’d only “had the Halloween kind.” He asked his friend Anya what they would do and if there would be “bats and black cats and candy corn and pumpkins.” She told him that Elias’s party was going to be “an outdoorsy camp party” with the things he liked. She made it sound fun and encouraged him to go. Little Ghost decided he would.

While Little Ghost liked the indoor festivities, the outdoorsy part posed some problems. Still, the party made Little Ghost want his own birthday party. Since ghosts don’t have birthdays, Little Ghost just picked a summer day and made an invitation list. Then came the hard part—planning his perfect party. He thought and thought: sleepover? karaoke? superhero? None of his ideas felt right. Pretty soon the day arrived and he hadn’t done any party prep at all. His mom said they could still have fun doing anything he’d like.

Tentatively, he asked if they could have a mini-Halloween with just him, her, and Anya. To his delight, she said Yes! While he “had pictured a big bash with balloons, music, and festive friends,” baking and decorating a scary cake and cupcakes with Anya made “him feel special.” When the treats were ready, Little Ghost’s mom suggested eating the birthday cake in the yard. Anya flashed her a big smile as they headed out the door. Outside, Little Ghost found all his friends—in costume!—plus lots of bats, black cats, candy corn, and pumpkins. He couldn’t thank Anya and his “spooktacular” friends more for the “sparkliest, splashiest, Summerween ever!“

In her adorable and heartwarming sequel to Little Ghost Makes a Friend, Maggie Edkins Willis cleverly embraces the increasingly popular Summerween while celebrating individuality and friendship. The supportive relationship between Little Ghost and Anya is a treasure. Children who are more hesitant to try unfamiliar things will feel seen as Little Ghost shares his doubts and fears, and all readers will appreciate Anya’s honest answers and encouragement as well as the understanding shown by Little Ghost’s mom. Maggie Edkins Willis’s perfect pacing creates a touching and joyful ending that will surprise readers as much as it does Little Ghost and give them the feeling they’ve joined the party too.

Expressive, endearing, and heartening, Little Ghost’s Summerween will be a quick favorite for all home and library collections and would make a much-loved gift.

Ages 4 – 8

Beach Lane Books, 2026 | ISBN 978-1665985147

About the Author

Maggie Edkins Willis grew up in Missouri and Maine. She now writes and illustrates books for children from her home studio in the Hudson Valley, where she lives with her husband and two children. Her debut picture book, Little Ghost Makes a Friend, is a bestseller. She is also the creator of the picture books Little Ghost’s Summerween, Dinky the Tinysaur, and Thunderland, and the middle grade graphic novel Smaller Sister. You can visit her online at MaggieMadeThis.com.

Children’s Book Week Activity

Books: Get Curious Coloring Pages

This year’s coloring pages based on Grace Lin’s Children’s Book Week poster makes a perfect way for kids to be creative while writing down their To Be Read list! Visit Every Child a Reader to find more activities!

Books: Get Curious Arch | Books: Get Curious Column

You can purchase Little Ghost’s Summerween from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

May 1 – National Pet Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Today we’re celebrating our best friends! Who are they? Our pets, of course! Small (or large) and fury (or feathered, scaled, or finned), our pets give us unconditional love and loads of happiness. Just watching them navigate their day is entertaining and educational. National Pet Month was established to honor these in-home pals and remind pet owners to ensure their pets have everything they need to live a long and healthy life. This month take extra time to have fun with your pet—maybe just not too much, as today’s book reveals!

Thanks to Eerdmans Books for Young Readers for sending me this book for review!

Arthur’s Cat

By Johan Leynaud | Translated by Sarah Ardizzone

The first thing to know is that “Arthur adores his cat!” If he could, he’d cuddle him all the time, but Zeffo’s not so into it. The second thing is that Arthur has plans for Zeffo—BIG, fun plans that any super-hero-loving boy would like to do with his favorite sidekick; also high-jumping plans and reading plans; even gourmet plans. But Zeffo? He’s really not into it. So when Arthur picks Zeffo up and gives him tight hug? “Owwwww!” There’s a scratch and tears and big feelings—on both sides.

“Zeffo waits for the days to pass and the night skies to twinkle so the sadness can shrink, and Arthur’s heart can heal. So his hand can open without trying to hold tight.” Slowly, trust and confidence are rebuilt, and joy and play return as Arthur learns to respect Zeffo’s boundaries. Then Arthur and Zeffo are able to “love each other freely.”

Like a favorite treat mix, Johan Leynaud’s gentle storytelling in Arthur’s Cat entices, excites, and satisfies. Leynaud’s breezy delivery belies his deep insight into the finesse and understanding it can take to forge a relationship between young children and their pets, friends, or siblings and shows that respecting others’ boundaries can actually bring the closeness one seeks. Arthur is endearing with his cat-ears haircut and boundless love for Zeffo. Leynaud’s witty and elegant illustrations of towering furnishings and messes as well as Zeffo’s facial expressions will bring plenty of laughs. The final illustrations of Arthur and Zeffo finally enjoying a sweet goodnight cuddle are heartwarming.

Sarah Ardizzone’s graceful and melodic translation conveys all of the humor and heart that makes Johan Leynaud’s story so meaningful.

Tender, lovely, and profound, Arthur’s Cat is a true delight, one that will be a much-asked-for favorite on home bookshelves and is a must for all library collections.

Ages 3 – 7

Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2026 | ISBN 978-0802856586

About the Author

Johan Leynaud is a French artist, illustrator, and author who studied at the Beaux-Arts de Marseille and spends most of his time drawing. He hopes Arthur’s Cat, his English-language debut, will help children respect animals as living beings who sometimes need their space. One day Johan watched his niece play with her cat―and Arthur’s Cat began to grow in his mind. Follow Johan on Instagram.

About the Translator

Sarah Ardizzone has translated over fifty books from the French, including Thread by Thread, Sweet Dreamers, and Letters from Bear (all Eerdmans). Her translations have been named to best-of-the-year lists by Kirkus, School Library Journal, and the Bank Street College of Education. Sarah lives in Brixton, England, with her family and a fluffy black cat named Hector. Follow her on Instagram.

National Pet Month Activity

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A Little Ball of Kitten

This sweet little kitten is easy to make and can keep you company on your desk, shelf, or anywhere! Since every kitten is different, you can make yours look just the way you want. Here’s how I made mine:

Supplies

Wooden ball with a flat bottom, available in craft stores and in different sizes
Craft paint in any color kitten you’d like (I used red and yellow and mixed it to make a mottled orange)
Craft paint in pink or white for the inner ear
Scrap of fleece for the ears. Fleece is easily shaped to the rounded ball and when painted is stiff enough to stand up on its own.
Thin, colored wire in several colors for the tail (string or twine, wrapped wire, fleece, stiff paper, and other materials could also be used)
Paint brush
Permanent marker for making the face
Hot glue gun or strong glue

Directions

Paint the wooden ball and let dry
Paint the scrap of fleece to match the wooden ball, let dry
Cut out small triangular shapes for the ears. Round the bottom of the ears slightly so they fit the shape of the ball
If making a tail from several colors of thin wire, twist them together, leaving one end untwisted
With the glue gun or strong glue attach the ears to the top of the head
With the glue gun attach the tail to the back of the wooden ball in the center near the base
With the marker, draw eyes, nose, and mouth for the face and semicircles near the bottom for the paws

You can purchase Arthur’s Cat from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

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A Little Ball of Kitten

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