November 10 – National Young Readers Week

About the Holiday

National Young Readers Week was established in 1989 by Pizza Hut and the Center for the Book, which is part of the Library of Congress. the holiday centers on raising awareness of the importance of reading. One inspiring statistic about the impact of reading is that children learn between 4,000 and 12,000 words each year just by reading—no matter which kinds of books are their favorites! When families get involved in fostering a love of reading at home, kids grow up with an excitement to learn and an activity they can do anywhere and that will follow them throughout their life.

There are many fantastic ways to help your kids develop an affinity for reading, including taking regular trips to your library, allowing kids to pick out their own books, setting aside special times during the day to read together, and setting up a library in your own home to show how important books are to you. You can also follow your favorite authors and illustrators on social media to connect with special activities to download, tutorials, updates on new books, and lots more.

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

My Super Duper Me

Written by Malcolm Mitchell | Illustrated by Deise Lino

Theo’s the new kid in school—a situation that’s “quite a doozy. You know?” He always eats alone and somehow ends up at the back of every line. And that’s not all. Theo doesn’t have any friends, isn’t a star on the playground, and math and reading? Not so great. Not only that: he’s “as short as a hiccup at a giggle party.” It’s tough always wondering if he’ll ever be noticed, ever fit in.

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Deise Lino. Text copyright © 2026 by Malcolm Mitchell. Published by Orchard Books copyright © 2026.

Then, in the school library, there’s a new librarian—Mr. Burton. You might think he’d have the same difficulties as Theo, but right away he’s popular with everyone. Theo also notices that Mr. Burton is always carrying a book. One day when Mr. Burton finds Theo “hiding outside the lunchroom,” he invites Theo into the library, only he calls it the “‘Treasure Trove of Knowledge.'” Theo’s impressed with all of the books and with Mr. Burton. When Theo asks Mr. Burton “why he never seems afraid,” the librarian points to books—all kinds of books—that can explain, show, and tell stories about anything and everything you’d like to be.

Mr. Burton pulls a book from a shelf and begins to read. The pages are full of quotes about being brave and strong. He even makes a deal with Theo. Every day he will write a quote on a card and attach it to the hall bulletin board. On the table beneath, he’ll leave the book open to where the quote is written in case Theo wants to read more. Every day, Theo finds a quote that pertains to him. He begins to feel seen. At the end of the week, the quote reveals something Theo has never thought about before. It talks about taking small steps and believing in yourself.

Suddenly, Theo feels uplifted, and with each new quote and search through the books Mr. Burton leaves, he doesn’t realize that he’s reading. One day, the board has a message from Mr. Burton that shows how much he understands. “Those words feel like a warm hug,” and Theo is ready to see that, as Mr. Burton says, “‘it’s not just about what others see in you; it’s about what you see in yourself.'” The next day, Theo is ready to introduce himself and begin making new friends. He’s ready to start writing his own story.

A powerful and inspiring note from literacy crusader and Super Bowl champion Malcolm Mitchell about his own life and relationship to books follows the story.

Malcolm Mitchell has immediate rapport with children as Theo honestly explains his experiences and feelings of not fitting in as a new student and how Mr. Burton’s recognition, active support, and advocacy for reading transformed his self-confidence and self-esteem. Mitchell’s first-person storytelling puts readers right next to Theo—welcoming them to also read aloud—as he interacts with Mr. Burton and the quotes left on the bulletin board. His excellent pacing, which mimics a realistic dawning of understanding, gives children the space and time to think about the important concepts he explores. Mitchell also emphasizes the importance of adult role models who offer thoughtful and personalized help to each child.

Children will find a lot to love and identify with in Deise Lino’s vivid illustrations. As the other students play together and eat lunch together, Theo’s trepidation to join in or find his place is clearly and sympathetically drawn as are other issues that Theo struggles with. When Mr. Burton bursts onto the scene with his obvious love of books, readers will be excited to join Theo in learning how trying a wide range of books and finding favorites can change the course of one’s life. Deise’s dynamic typography highlighting uplifting quotes and words begs to be read aloud. Theo’s transformation to a confident, happy, and included kid will inspire readers.

A high-impact and uplifting story about the power of books and literacy to transform children’s self-confidence and lives, My Super Duper Me is a must for all library, classroom, and home collections.

Ages 4 – 8

Orchard Books, 2026 | ISBN 978-1338225334

About the Author

Malcolm Mitchell is a Super Bowl champion, literacy crusader, and the author of several acclaimed books for young readers, including The Magician’s Hat, illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff, and My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World, illustrated by Michael Robertson, winner of the Judy Newman Book Award. Malcolm is the founder of an initiative called Read with Malcolm, which introduces book ownership to students and works to improve literacy in schools. Malcolm’s Share the Magic Foundation promotes the benefits of reading to transform lives. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife and two children. To learn more, visit him at malcolmmitchell.com.

About the Illustrator

Deise Lino is the illustrator of several picture books, including Abuelo’s Flower Shop by Jackie Morera, Future Hero: Battle for Sky Kingdom by Remi Blackwood, and Luna Wolf 2: Code Danger by Alesha Dixon. She holds bachelor’s degrees in digital design and animation film and lives in Lisbon, Portugal. To learn more, visit deiselino.com.

National Young Readers Week Activity

My Super Duper Me Activity Page

Kids can join Theo in choosing words and phrases that define how they are Super Duper with this My Super Duper Me Activity Page.

You can purchase My Super Duper Me from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

November 2 – Look for Circles Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Today is one of those days that gets you really observing the world in a new way. As you go about your day at the office, at school, at shops, or just while driving here and there, be aware of all the different circles you see. Sure, there are the obvious ones—the tires on your car, the signals on a stoplight, the lid of your water bottle or coffee cup . . . but how about all the less-seen circles? Knots on trees, a lemon slice, the center of a flower, the ripple of a raindrop or pebble dropped in a puddle. Whether you look for circles through the eye of geometry or the eye of art, be fully aware of the shapes around you!

Thank you to Ten Speed Young Readers for sending me this book for review!

The Little Polka Dot

By Cassandra Berger

A pattern of polka dots did everything together. Sometimes they all changed color at the very same moment. Sometimes they got bigger or smaller. Everyone was happy. “Except for Little Polka” who had trouble keeping up and felt like he just didn’t belong. He decided to try living on his own. Being alone opened many possibilities: “‘. . . if I could do anything, BE anything, what would I be?'” he asked himself. He closed his eyes and thought about what made him happiest—what made him . . . him.

Suddenly, he grew an appendage! Then . . . Pop! Pop! Pop, pop, pop! He grew some more! They were petals! Yellow petals! And suddenly he “felt just right.” When the other polka dots saw Little Polk Dot, they were astounded. Little Polka Dot explained what happened, telling them, “‘I thought really hard about who I am. And I became . . . myself!'” Inspired, the other polka dots decided to try it themselves. Soon . . . Pop! Pop! Pop, pop, pop! The pattern disappeared . . . and each dot became wondrously uniquely “themselves!”

Cassandra Berger’s sweet story offering thoughtful and uncomplicated assurance about finding and being yourself will make readers smile—and get talking—every time it’s read. The confidence and bravery of Berger’s little hero, who bucks ever-changing popular trends to discover what makes him truly happy, is applicable in so many situations from small friend groups to classrooms to the crushing conformity of social media. Berger’s storytelling is charmingly straightforward as Little Polka Dot asks himself the big questions of life and later leads his fellow polka dots to the secret to happiness.

Underlying Berger’s deceptively simple illustrations are complex questions about the nature of individuality, personality, independent thought, and contemplation. The story begins with several two-page spreads crowded with nearly identical polka dots, while outlier Little Polka Dot is pushed to the margins. Once Little Polka Dot decides to leave the pattern, however, he appears alone in the center of a completely white page—an image that feels like an oasis of calm amid cacophany. The following pages also suggest the idea of giving kids (and anyone) the space and time to think on their own about themselves and the lives they want to lead. When Little Polka is reunited with the others, readers will enthusiastically watch and react as they change, grow, and become who they’re meant to be.

An ingenious and joyful story about becoming and being your true self that kids and adults will love to share again and again, The Little Polka Dot will spark conversations and activities for classrooms and children’s programs as well as at home and is a must for all library collections. The book would make a wonderful gift for children, parents, grandparents, and teachers.

Ages 3 – 7+

Ten Speed Young Readers, 2026 | ISBN 978-0593839065

About the Author

Cassandra Berger is an author and illustrator. She graduated from Pratt Institute with a degree in Illustration and a love for Brooklyn. She then discovered the wonderful world of animation and began a long career in kids media designing on award-winning shows and show development. Cassandra now teaches Character Design at her alma mater. Originally from Massachusetts, she resides in New York with her family who are her constant source of love, belly laughs, and crumbs. Visit her at cassandraberger.com.

Look for Circles Day Activity

The Little Polka Dot Teachers Activity Guide from Ten Speed Young Readers

Teachers, homeschoolers, parents, and other adults will find eight exciting and fun activities for kids to do that celebrate their unique qualities along with Little Polka Dot and his friends in this The Little Polka Dot Teachers Guide! You can download it from the Penguin Random House/Ten Speed Young Readers’ website!

You can purchase The Little Polka Dot from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

October 23 – I’m Just Me Because Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Following two years of outreach for inclusion by the Culbreath family, the I’m Just Me Movement became an official nonprofit organization in 2015. The organization was founded on the concept that diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It promotes an understanding that every person is unique, recognizes our individual differences, and celebrates the rich scope of diversity contained within each individual. The I’m Just Me organization offers schools, businesses, and other venues a variety of programs, including a team-building I’m Just Me Workshop, a Live Life Forward program, indivisible and group mentoring, and Project Positive, a student-led initiative creating kinder school cultures through peer leadership, inclusion, and positive change. To learn more, visit imjustmemovement.org.

Thank you to Bloomsbury Children’s Books for sending me this book!

Some Body, Every Body!

By Roz MacLean

Drawn into Roz MacLean’s uplifting, body-positive book by brilliant rays of color, readers enter a world—our world—of people interacting in various ways with family, strangers, and friends or simply enjoying the wonders of life on their own. Across her pages, MacLean merges short couplets describing different body types, abilities, and disabilities with vivid imagery that captures a plethora of everyday activities undertaken not only by “some bodies” but by “every body.” MacLean begins with four common descriptors: “Some bodies are big. Some bodies are small.” (demonstrated with a dad sitting next to his toddler), and “Some bodies are short. Some bodies are tall.” (depicting a very tall grocery clerk handing down a product from a high shelf to an older gentleman using a motorized shopping cart).

MacLean next takes readers to the beach, where “some bodies are round. / Some bodies are straight. / Some bodies are wavy. / All bodies are great!” then on to a pool, playground, park, rock concert, wheelchair basketball game, and birthday party. In each place, readers meet adults or children using various aids, including wheelchairs, canes, adaptive swings, mobility aids, hearing aids, prosthetics (or none), and a G-tube. Among her characters, MacLean also celebrates diverse skin tones, including albinism and vitiligo; those who relish hugs and those who prefer more distance; different hairstyles and head coverings; varieties of exercise; and many more highlighted throughout the pages.

While MacLean pays tribute to personal variations throughout her story, she also intrinsically highlights our similarities. Her welcoming and vibrant illustrations remind us that we all play, eat, sleep, wear clothes, love, and engage in a myriad of other activities that bring us together. In closing, MacLean offers an invitation to reassuring self-love and togetherness: ” I love my body. Do you love yours too? I love that my body / lets me be here with you!”

Roz MacLean’s jaunty storytelling is happily inspiring, stirring an appreciation for people’s contributions and struggles, especially in this day of social media’s hyper-focus on appearance. Adults and children will be moved by MacLean’s embrace of all bodies, finding it comforting and reassuring. Reinforcing these sentiments is MacLean’s glorious color scheme that leans into sunny days, the warmth of spring and summer, and energizing patterns that make our world more interesting.

A superb story of social and self-awareness and acceptance, Roz MacLean’s Some Body, Every Body! is a must for all library, classroom, and home collections.

Ages 3 – 8

Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2026 | ISBN 978-1547618880

About the Author

Roz MacLean is an award-winning Canadian illustrator and children’s writer. Her books include Some Body, Every Body!; More Than Words; Together, a Forest; and Do You Know the Dark? She especially loves making art about themes that are important to her, like exploring emotions and diverse ways of being in the world. Visit her at rozmaclean.com.

You can purchase Some Body, Every Body! 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 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

August 25 – Be Kind to Humankind Week

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

In 1988 Lorraine Jara of Toms River, New Jersey, realized there are so many ways to show kindness to others and bring hope to the world that one celebrated day just wasn’t enough. Instead, Lorraine created Be Kind to Humankind Week that runs for the last week of August and presents different themes for each day. It’s up to the individual to decide how they can make a difference to one person or many! Lorraine’s themes can spark lots of unique ideas for demonstrating kindness and making others—and yourself—happier not only this week but every day! Touch a Heart Tuesday encourages people to spread kindness and acceptance one heart at a time. Today’s book humorously shows kids the joys of being kind to our fellow beings—after all, we’re only human!

Be Kind to Humankind Week Themes

Sacrifice Our Wants for Others’ Needs Sunday
Motorist Consideration Monday
Touch a Heart Tuesday
Willing to Lend a Hand Wednesday
Thoughtful Thursday
Forgive Your Foe Friday
Speak Nice Words Saturday

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

Spooky Scouts

By Kimberly Shrack

As kids join the story, Luna, a wolf pup, leads them in the Spooky Scouts Pledge, which goes, in part: “We are the Spooky Scouts! Monsters, true and kind, prepared for big adventures with our strong, creative minds.” Readers then meet the rest of Troop 13—Frances, Cal, Hattie, and George—and see some of the fun badges Luna has earned, including potion making, spectral photography, creepy cooking, and undead pet care. But it’s the annual camping trip in the “Darkenscary National Forest” that she loves the most.

Luna has a great feeling about this year’s trip until she finds out the “really bad” news that it’s the night of the full moon. It’s bad because “Luna has a secret.” On full-moon nights Luna turns into a “beast so icky it would give even the bravest Spooky Scout a wicked case of the heebie-jeebies.” Luna’s afraid that when the others find out what a “weirdo” she is, she’ll be banned from camping forever. Panic sets in, and Luna scrambles to find a solution.

Her first remedy, Moon Screen, gets washed off when her canoe overturns, and the hat she quickly fashions is blown away just as she’s enjoying her favorite camping treat: s’mores. Under the beaming moon, Luna begins to transform. In a moment, instead of the wolf they know, the scouts see . . . “a . . . HUMAN!” She explains the embarrassment that’s kept her from mentioning it before then leans into the Spooky Scouts pledge to be brave. “‘So,'” she says, “‘I’m done hiding . . . because there’s nothing braver than being honest about who you are.'”

The other scouts take Luna’s pronouncement to heart and begin revealing the secrets they’ve been hiding. Luna and the other scouts celebrate the fact that they’re “all weirdos” and when together can always be themselves.

If you’re scouting for a picture book with lovable characters, a clever surprise twist, and a rewarding message about acceptance and the courage to be yourself, you’ll find it in Kimberly Shrack’s original friendship story. From her Spooky Scouts Pledge (which kids will want to adopt as their own) to her funny illustrations peppered with puns and humorous mishaps to her graphic-novelesque elements, Shrack thrills and chills in all the right ways to make Spooky Scouts a book kids will take to heart and want to read again and again.

Ages 4 – 8

Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2026 | ISBN 979-8347101184

About the Author

Kimberly Shrack is an author and illustrator based in the Pacific Northwest. Like Luna, she is a s’mores enthusiast. Unlike Luna, she has not yet earned her badge for Dragon Fire Safety. Spooky Scouts is her debut picture book. Visit her at kimberlyshrack.com.

Be Kind to Humankind Week Activity

Kindness Cards

Here are some cheery cards to share! Give them to a friend, family member, teacher, your bus driver, or anyone to show them that you care and that they mean a lot to you!

Kindness Cards Sheet 1 | Sheet 2

You can purchase Spooky Scouts from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

August 10 – Get Ready for Kindergarten Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Starting Kindergarten is a major milestone in any child’s life and ushers in exciting growth in knowledge, friendships, and experiences. But the first step is getting to know their classmates, teachers, school staff, and bus drivers. And the first step to that is saying hello! Today’s book shares some fun insight on this important skill that ‘s unique to each child!

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

Say Hello Like an Armadillo: And Other Animal Greetings from Around the World

Written by Zewlan Moor | Illustrated by Karen Obuhanych

Walking into a room full of new people to meet can be a bit intimidating. Kids may wonder how they can begin to make friends in a new school, classroom, or activity group. In her original picture book, Zewlan Moor invites children to take inspiration from the animal kingdom in greeting others while showing their unique personality.

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Karen Obuhanych. Text copyright © 2026 by Zewlan Moor. Published by Nosy Crow, 2026.

Through Moor’s vivacious rhymes, kids meet a group of very different animals who all have one thing in common—an extraordinary way to greet others. From beluga whales that shake a fin and make clicking sounds to gorillas that express themselves with their whole body to fiddler crabs that really get into the rhythm of saying hello, all of the animals here are sure to delight children. As they giggle at some of these creatures’ antics or find comfort in other’s calmer demeanors, kids will discover that being themselves while meeting people is the perfect way to begin new friendships.

Following the story, readers learn about eight creatures and the fascinating ways they meet and greet others, send messages, and react to feeling afraid or shy.

In her joyful mixed-media illustrations, Karen Obuhanych follows a group of kids as they enter their classroom (some more reluctantly than others), meet each other and their teacher for the first time, and end the day as happy, cohesive friends. In between, readers discover that each child has their own way of presenting themself and interacting with others as they join an animal or other creature that matches their personality and communication style. Obuhanych’s bright, bold images will charm and amuse children while boosting their self-confidence and self-esteem.

Fun, reassuring, and enlightening, Say Hello Like an Armadillo is an uplifting and jaunty read-aloud. Dynamic sound and action words accompanying each verse will inspire participation, making this a fantastic addition to circle time or story time in any classroom or library. The book is highly recommended for any children’s book collection.

Ages 4 – 8

Nosy Crow, 2026 | ISBN 979-8887771168

About the Author

Zewlan Moor (pronounced “SHOO-len”) is a children’s author, medical doctor, and bibliotherapist. To keep up, she writes while wearing her surgical scrubs, in between dashing off to the hospital. Despite living on the Gold Coast of Australia, she prefers books and boardgames to the beach. Unbelievable! She can say hello―and not much else―in her heritage languages of Tagalog, Spanish, Mandarin, and German. But her favorite way to say hello is the triple scoop! Visit her at zewlanmoor.com.

About the Illustrator

Karen Obuhanych is an author-illustrator living on the Big Island of Hawaii with her family, including two crazy cats, a spotted pig dog, various fish, and one glowing axolotl. She wrote and illustrated This Little Kitty and This Little Kitty in the Garden and has illustrated several books for young readers. Inspired by Hawaii and the simple joys in life, you will often find Karen drawing or cutting bits of paper to capture the everyday moments that make us smile. Karen’s favorite way to say hello is “Smile, smile . . . WAVE!” Visit her at ktoart.com.

Get Ready for Kindergarten Month Activity

Say Hello like an Armadillo Discussion Questions Postcard

Educators and parents can engage their kids in talking about how to greet new friends with the thoughtful and conversation-prompting questions on this Say Hello like an Armadillo Postcard from Nosy Crow found on Zewlan Moor’s website!

You can buy Say Hello Like an Armadillo and Other Animal Greetings from Around the World from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

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