August 18 – Serendipity Day

About the Holiday

The word “serendipitous” was first coined in 1754 by Horace Walpole in a letter to a friend as he described a Persian fairy tale known in English as The Three Princes of Serendip. In the story, after three young men are banished from the kingdom of Serendip (commonly known as Sri Lanka) they travel the world to prove their worth and continuously enjoy surprisingly good luck—or serendipity—along the way. In 2001 author Madeleine Kay founded Serendipity Day to encourage people to live their lives believing that at any moment something wonderful may happen. Let today’s holiday inspire you to pay closer attention to those moments of serendipitous magic—from enjoying a bit of good luck to making a new friend—that occur each day. They’re all around us as long as we recognize and embrace them!

Thanks to Hippo Park for sending me a copy of this book for review!

The Stuffie Stand

By Maddie Frost

Moose had always love, love, LOVED stuffies. So when he got older, he began making his own, taking care with the stitching and filling to make sure they had “just the right amount of squish and [were] always one hundred percent cute.” It didn’t take long for Moose to open his own Stuffie shop called, appropriately, The Stuffie Stand. Pretty soon, he had lots of customers, the most enthusiastic of which was Mable.

Turned out, Mable made stuffies herself. But she liked to “bedazzle them with accessories.” She could even see herself selling her stuffies at The Stuffie Stand and moved right in, but Moose wasn’t feeling it. “Goodbye, little girl,” he said, as he removed Mable and her embellishments from his shop. It wasn’t as if Moose didn’t have any customers. He was plenty busy making his own designs and filling special orders. In fact, Moose was sew, sew, sew, sew busy that he couldn’t keep up with demand, and the quality of his stuffies began to decline.

Mable noticed that Moose was looking frazzled and offered to help, but Moose was adamant—until he suffered noodle arms—”a crafter’s worst nightmare”—and relented. Mable got right to work, and while the difference in their creating styles left Moose cringing sometimes, he discovered that “it was nice to have someone to share ideas with.” He even came to admire the bedazzled stuffies on the shelves, and when they opened the renamed Moose and Mable’s Stuffie Stand, Moose was happy to have found a partner—and a friend.

Maddie Frost infuses heart and humor into her DIY story of a moose who likes his stuffie creations simple and a girl who’s all about the bling. Moose’s perfectionist tendencies and Mable’s over-the-top enthusiasm clash in hilarious scenes between this unlikely pair while conveying a gentle reminder of the positive effects of varied influences and the unforeseen joys that can come from teamwork.

Moose and Mable’s facial expressions will have readers giggling throughout the story, and their final partnership will have them cheering for this lovable duo. Kids who go goggle-eyed over stuffies or other treasures will excitedly pore over The Stuffie Stand’s stock to pick their favorites and, perhaps, be inspired to make their own.

Pure read-aloud fun, with a squish of friendship here and a squeeze of collaboration there, The Stuffie Stand will leave readers in stitches and become a quick favorite in any library and home collection.

Ages 4 – 8

Hippo Park, 2026 | ISBN 978-1662641152

About the Author

Maddie Frost is an author-illustrator from Massachusetts. She has written and illustrated eleven picture books and graphic novels. Her obsession with 90s Nickelodeon cartoons started her love for characters and storytelling and then a love for picture books. She studied animation at Massachusetts College of Art and Design which further pushed her in the direction of children’s media. Visit her at maddie-frost.com.

National Serendipity Day Activity

The Stuffie Stand Activity Kit from Maddie Frost

Kids can learn how to draw Moose and Mable and color and fill a Stuffie Stand with their own creations with these The Stuffie Stand Activity Pages found on Maddie Frost’s website!

You can purchase The Stuffie Stand from these booksellers

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Picture Book Review

August 11 – Happiness Happens Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Happiness Happens Month reminds us that happiness can happen anywhere and at any time. In fact paying attention to all of the little moments during each day, going on spontaneous outings with friends or family, or taking time to do a favorite activity may be all you need to feel happier every day! Spending time reading with your kids is one of those activities that’s sure to bring a smile and comforting a sense of “ahhhh!” With school starting again soon, it’s a great time to reflect on the fun you’ve had over the past months and as well as the memories and learning to come. Today’s book combines fun and learning in a way that’s sure to make happiness happen every time you read it!

Thank you to Abrams Appleseed for sending me this book for review!

Charts for Babies

By Michelle Rial

Little ones may not know about all the visual tools people use to corral the data that that keeps the world working and connected, but knowing how to read these helpful graphics is a crucial skill as children climb higher and higher in math and science classes at school. So, is there a way for even the youngest children to begin learning these important concepts? Michelle Rial says wholeheartedly, “Yes!” But is there a way to make it relatable and exciting and—dare I ask?—fun? Like really fun?

Michelle Rial has all that covered in Charts for Babies, a bright and bubbly jaunt through ideas big and small that encompass the building blocks of math and vocabulary (including visual representations of nouns, verbs, adjectives, those beguiling prepositions, and opposites) as well as cuddly emotions adults and kids love to share. And Rial does all of this with adorable graphics and rhymes that will make your heart sing.

With her trademark wit, Rial presents 16 types of charts and graphs—including a Venn diagram, column chart, scatter plot, timelines, bar chart, and decision tree. She also introduces kids to concepts such as “snug” and “loose,” the difference between a circle and a dot, a single object and a pair, how manipulating shapes can create new shapes, and many others. A few random visitors, like a duck and a sneeze, pull double duty—making little ones giggle while completing a rhyme.

Along the way, Rial also invites kids to count, name colors, find components of five kinds of charts in the midst of a “mess,” and discover other ways to connect with and talk about the text. I can guarantee that both adults and kids will embrace the book’s sweet ending.

A book that will immediately bring smiles to every reader, Charts for Babies is really a love letter to, yes, mathematical and scientific organization but also to sharing concepts, ideas, and humor that unite us all in a way that will have kids and adults excited for repeat reading. Older children will also enjoy the cleverness and cadence of this story and will eagerly chime in on read alouds or read it independently themselves. Charts for Babies is a must for any library or home collection and makes a wonderful gift.

Ages 2 – 5+

Harry N. Abrams, 2026 | ISBN 978-1419785184

About the Author

Michelle Rial is a graphic designer who makes charts. Named by Vulture as one of “9 of the Funniest Cartoonists and Illustrators on Instagram,” she is the author and illustrator of the books Am I Overthinking This? and Maybe This Will Help. Her work has been featured by The New Yorker, Oprah Daily, USA Today, Wired, and more. She lives in the redwoods of California with Lenny, Jude, and Einstein. You can visit her at michellerial.com. Follow her on Instagram.

Happiness Happens Month Activity

Happiness Is… Game

Happiness is all around you! Grab one or more friends to play this game that reveals what things make you happy.

Similar to the “Geography” game, the first player names something that makes them happy. The second player must think of something that makes them happy and starts with the last letter of the word the previous player said. The game continues with each player continuing the pattern. To finish the game, set a time limit or have players drop out if they can’t think of a word. The last player left is the winner!

You can purchase Charts for Babies 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

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Picture Book Review

August 7 – National Dog Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

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

July 30 – National Climb a Mountain Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

On National Climb a Mountain Day, we celebrate all those who reach for a summit both literally and metaphorically. Mountains, just by their sheer size and mystery, invite people who love a challenge to climb as high as they dare, either on a well-worn trail or by finding their own footing and handholds on the way up. This same resolve can be applied to more down-to-earth matters that someone would like to overcome as well. Just as with climbing a real mountain, progress through life’s obstacles, desired accomplishments, and mysteries can be achieved with one-step-at-a-time determination and courage—even if it is a bit scary as you’ll see in today’s book.

Ghost Town in the Mountains

Written by Lynn Becker | Illustrated by Roland Garrigue

In her spirited take-off on the perennial favorite sing-along She’ll Be Coming ‘Round the Mountain, Lynn Becker entices two children and their dog into the mountains up a long and winding road to a haunted ghost town, all the while warning them with a “turn back now! keep away!” or other challenge at every turn. Of course it’s impossible for the trio not to take a wee gander down the “tumbledown and tumbleweed-y” main street. It’s unthinkable they won’t be lured down the lurid alley to the cabin, “boarded up and creaky” where “hordes of “mice play hide-and-seek-y.” And it’s just as preposterous to think these intrepid trespassers won’t ascend the “shaky staircase” to the “. . . cluttered, stuffy, musty / spider-web-y, sneezy, dusty” attic.

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Roland Garrigue. Text copyright © 2026 by Lynn Becker. Published by Sleeping Bear Press, 2026.

What happens once these curious kids are at the tippy-top of this spooky dwelling? Well, they were warned! Let’s just say I know you would never touch what’s off limits or open what falls out of it. You would never release an ancient, bewitched relic that gives you the heebie-jeebies as it comes to life. You would never high-tail it out of there and seek the comforts of a nice, soft bed. Would you?

Back Matter includes a discussion of ghost towns, the history behind the folk song “She’ll Be Coming ‘Round the Mountain,” and the music and lyrics to “Ghost Town in the Mountains.”

Lynn Becker beguiles kids to follow a gutsy gal and her wary friend as they eschew all warnings on their way to an unexpected discovery with her spine-tingling verses that beg to be sung. Becker turns the jaunty cadence of her source tune into an opportunity to enthrall, with spunky admonitions, evocative vocabulary, and delightfully nimble rhymes—especially creating read- or sing-along fun with “-y” endings. With each page spread, short, onomatopoeic interjections between lines accumulate into a growing rambunctious refrain that kids will enthusiastically join in on throughout any read aloud. Becker’s dreamy ending ensures that kids tired to the bone will settle in for a good night’s slumber.

Roland Garrigue’s spooky ghost town, tucked away among magical(?) mountains, bathed in eerie hues of blue and purple, and haunted by spirits invite as much reader participation as Becker’s storytelling. Kids will love spying glowing eyes peeping from hidey holes, discovering hidden creatures, and keeping track of the ghosts, rats, and growing collection the children’s dog picks up along the way. The surprise reveal may have readers debating whether they’d be brave or skittish, bounding home with their guides on this spectral adventure.

At once chilling and charming, Ghost Town in the Mountains is sure to be a supernaturally favorite pick for any story time and is a must for all library and home collections for Halloween and all year around.

Ages 4 – 8

Sleeping Bear Press, 2026 | ISBN 978-1534113428

About the Author

Lynn Becker has worked in animation for film and TV. When she’s not writing picture books or book reviews, she’s out hiking near her home in Longmont, Colorado. Visit her at lynnbeckerbooks.com.

About the Illustrator

Roland Garrigue is from Paris, France and is a prolific illustrator of children’s books. He loves to travel and explore foreign cities, and he hopes his stories can transport his readers to equally exciting places. Follow him on Instagram.

National Climb a Mountain Day Activity

Ghost Town in the Mountains Coloring Page

What kind of ghost do you encounter on your mountain ghost town visit? Draw and color the ghost and where you find it (or it finds you!) with this Ghost Town in the Mountains Activity from author Lynn Becker’s website. You can find a Karaoke Sing-Along and the Book’s Trailer there too!

You can purchase Ghost Town in the Mountains from these booksellers

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Picture Book Review

July 28 – World Nature Conservation Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Established in 1998, World Nature Conservation Day brings people from around the world together to wonder at nature’s diversity and raise awareness of the importance of protecting it and preserving our natural resources and ecosystems. Each person plays a crucial role in ensuring that Earth’s resources are treated with caring stewardship for ourselves and our future generations. To celebrate the day, research what you can do in your community and home to reduce waste, the use of harmful chemicals, and our carbon footprint while contributing to activities focused on preserving clean air and water, protecting endangered and threatened species, and finding new ways to leave our children a livable planet.

Enough to Share

Written by Mary Helen Berg | Illustrated by Sue Todd

Rare animals Spirit Bear and Sea Wolf live side by side in British Columbia, Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest, sharing “the ancient trees, the misty valleys, the stony shores, and the leaping fish.” In the past there has always been enough for both, but now climate change, deforestation, pollution, and overfishing threaten their survival. The resources that Spirit Bear and Sea Wolf have relied on are shrinking and growing scarcer. “Storms rage stronger.” Protection and food are harder to find.

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Sue Todd. Text copyright © 2026 by Mary Helen Berg. Published by Tielmour Press, © 2026.

In Mary Helen Berg’s stirring cautionary tale, lyrical passages complement factual paragraphs that introduce readers to the dwindling population of white bears and aquatic wolves, which feed on marine life and swim miles between islands in search of food, in British Columbia’s coastal temperate rainforest—the largest such rainforest in the world. She clearly exposes the toll that human damage is inflicting on this unique environment, not only for spirit bears and sea wolves but for the health of the land and waterways as well as the birds, fish, marine creatures, and other animals that call this area home.

Berg ties her story together with a haunting refrain that at once looks back to a fertile past and ahead to an unknown, possibly disastrous future, riveting readers to the immediacy of this environmental crisis. She leaves adults and children with hope, however, revealing how First Nations people, environmentalists, and the British Columbia government have teamed up to sign the Great Bear Rainforest Agreement, which protects part of the rainforest. Berg also invites readers to help “so that on a perfect fall day. . . there is enough for all to share.”

Back matter includes more information on the Great Bear Rainforest, Spirit Bears, Sea Wolves, and how people can help the cause by supporting specific organizations involved in protecting the Great Bear Rainforest and other endangered places as well doing simple things at home that contribute to the environment’s wellbeing.

Mary Helen Berg captures readers’ attention to two unique animals and the equally extraordinary place they live through her lively use of language and passion for her subject. Her eclectic storytelling envelops children on many fronts, helping them to understand the environmental issues while taking the wildlife of the Great Bear Rainforest into their hearts.

The stunning imagery of Sue Todd’s linocut illustrations will thrill young readers with their vitality and vivid perspectives. Her gorgeous color palette makes each page a showstopper that both adults and children will want to linger over and talk about.

Enough to Share is immersive nonfiction at its best, a story that is sure to engage young readers not only in the fate of the Great Bear Rainforest but in environmental conservation in general. The book is a must for public and school libraries as well as for the home collections of environmentally conscious and nature-loving children.

Ages 5 – 9

Tielmour Press, 2026 | ISBN 978-1998426218

About the Author

Mary Helen Berg writes fiction and nonfiction picture books that honor big feelings and encourage young readers to explore and protect our big beautiful world. A former journalist, she lives in Southern California, where she loves to hike, bike, kayak, and road trip. She has a degree in literature from the University of Michigan, and a masters in journalism from Columbia University. She and her husband have three grown children, one son-in-law, and one very anxious dog. Visit her at maryhelenberg.com.

About the Illustrator

Sue Todd is a Toronto-based professional illustrator who creates colorful art for books, magazines, products, posters, and public art. She is the illustrator of Mira and the Big Story and The Night Is Deep and Wide, among others. Blue Boat Home is illustrated in her new digital ink technique, a departure from her traditional hand-carved linocut style. In addition to illustration commissions, she is working on writing and illustrating graphic novels. Visit her at suetodd.com.

World Nature Conservation Day Activity

Spirit Bear Coloring Pages from the Royal BC Museum

In these two coloring pages from the Royal BC Museum, spirit bears are enjoying their natural habitat in the Great Bear Rainforest. Kids can grab their crayons or markers and give the bears’ background some color!

Spirit Bear and Salmon | Spirit Bear and Cubs

You can purchase Enough to Share from these booksellers

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Picture Book Review

July 27 – It’s Shark Week

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

It’s Shark Week! In its 38th year of highlighting all things shark-related, the Discovery Channel is once again hosting one of the most iconic weeks of summer with education and entertainment revolving around these denizens of the deep, especially the Great White. But there are many more sharks in the sea – about 500 species! – and they’re all an important part of the world’s ecosystem. To celebrate ancestors of today’s sharks and the wonders of discovery, you’ll want to put today’s book at the top of your reading list!

Thank you to Random House Studio and Barbara Fisch at Blue Slip Media for gifting me a copy of this book!

Sharks in Kansas: The Ancient Sea in the Middle of America

Written by Melissa Stewart | Illustrated by Becca Stadtlander

When you think of finding sharks, you might consider the east and west coasts of the United States and South America, areas around Africa, or perhaps the waters off the coast of Australia. I’d hazard a guess, however, that the US midwestern state of Kansas would not be on your list. Melissa Stewart is here to change that.

In Sharks in Kansas, Stewart reveals that Kansas—yes, that state known for its “seven million acres of wheat, five million acres of corn, more than six million cattle, and almost two million pigs” that add up to “90 percent farmland” was once the home to sharks and a plethora of other prehistoric creatures. She begins with fossilized evidence that 85 million years ago what is now Kansas as well as “thirteen states and five Canadian provinces” was underwater in what scientists now call the Western Interior Seaway.

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Becca Stadtlander. Text copyright © 2026 by Melissa Stewart. Published by Random House Studio, 2026.

Stewart then transports readers back millions of years to experience the vibrant and strange creatures that plied the sea, land, and sky. As a herd of herbivore Claosaurus track the shoreline, “a Pteranodon glides across the sky in search of fish.” But what about the sharks, you ask? They’re in attendance too. Different types of sharks of various sizes, one nearly twice as long as a Great White, lurk in the water’s depths, waiting . . . Those early sharks aren’t alone, either. Quirky—and toothy—mosasaurs, plesiosaurs, and fish as well as mollusks that would never fit in a bucket vie for space and food.

So what happened to the Western Interior Seaway? Stewart takes readers on a fascinating tour through the changes that slowly occurred to the land, the creatures, and this body of water that was once so vital. You may wonder how people—both scientists and casual observers—know all this. As Stewart explains, they can see its effects in the fossils discovered under those fertile fields; in the “rippled sandstone” walls that stand as reminders of an “ancient shoreline” and which visitors to Dinosaur Ridge in Colorado can trace with their fingers; and in the towering “chalky white” Monument Rocks of Kansas, created by untold numbers of coccolithophore fossils. Stewart and Becca Stadtlander then team up to textually and visually explain how the Western Interior Seaway was formed and then displaced by land once again.

A master of setting a scene that envelops children in mysterious landscapes, Melissa Stewart introduces readers to prehistoric sharks and other sea creatures that once populated the Western Interior Seaway. Portraying dramatic encounters between marine animals, Stewart brings to life the vitality of this ancient ocean while clearly outlining how the seaway came to be and receded again.

Becca Stadtlander’s stunning gouache illustrations immerse readers in the prehistoric period, providing perspective on the size of these marine animals and diving into the depths of the Western Internal Seaway to witness the awe-inspiring interactions among them. Tails flick, teeth are bared, and chomps are taken for food and defense. The images of above-ground proof of the seaway’s existence will also entice kids to learn more about this ancient phenomenon.

Sharks in Kansas is extremely well-designed, with most pages containing sidebars that present illustrations of and facts about the creatures featured in that spread. There’s no flipping back and forth to a glossary at the end to discover the information readers want to know and match with what they see in front of them.

Children will be surprised and entranced by the strong science, dynamic storytelling, and riveting illustrations found in Sharks in Kansas: The Ancient Sea in the Middle of America. The book is a must for all library collections and will be a pored-over favorite for kids fascinated by science, marine creatures, and history.

Ages 4 – 8

Random House Studio, 2026 | ISBN 978-0593904718

Melissa Stewart has written more than 200 science books for children, including Whale Fall, winner of the AAAS/Subaru Prize for Excellence in Science Books; Feathers: Not Just for Flying, an ALA Notable Book; and Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes, and Stinkers: Celebrating Animal Underdogs, an SCBWI Golden Kite Honor title. She co-authored 5 Kinds of Nonfiction: Enriching Reading and Writing Instruction with Children’s Books and edited the anthology Nonfiction Writers Dig Deep: 50 Award-Winning Authors Reveal the Secret of Engaging Writing. Melissa maintains the award-winning blog Celebrate Science and serves on the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators board of advisors. Visit her at melissa-stewart.com.

Becca Stadtlander is an illustrator and fine artist. In 2019, she won the Golden Kite Award for Picture Book Illustration for Made by Hand: A Crafts Sampler. Picture books she has illustrated include Mr. McCloskey’s Marvelous Mallards, Sleep Tight, Farm, and On Wings of Words, which received four starred reviews. Her work is also featured in adult books, editorial publications, stationery, home decor products, and book covers. Visit her at beccastadtlander.com.

Shark Week Activity

Fintastic Shark Fun

Dive into some shark fun with this shark fin craft! Just follow the directions below!

Supplies

2 pieces of 8.5 x 11 gray cardstock paper
Ribbon
Tape
Scissors
Pencil

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-shark-fin

Directions

Tape the top of the two pieces of paper together
Fold them back together
Measure an inch up from the bottom of the papers (the un-taped side) and trace a straight line across both papers
Trace a shark fin outline onto your paper. The shark outline should stop an inch above the bottom
Cut out the fin on both pieces of paper. If you should cut through the tape, re-tape the tops together
Fold along the lines of both papers so the folds face towards each other.
Tape the folds so the fin becomes a triangle
Cut two slits parallel to the folded lines
Thread ribbon through slits

Sharks in Kansas Coloring Page and Reading Guide

Families and educators can find a Sharks in Kansas coloring page as well as a Reading Guide on Melissa Stewart’s website.

You can purchase Sharks in Kansas: The Ancient Sea in the Middle of America from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

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The Stuffie Stand Activity Kit from Maddie Frost

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Happiness Is… Game

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

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Say Hello like an Armadillo Discussion Questions Postcard

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Find a Friend Matching Puzzle

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Ghost Town in the Mountains

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National Climb a Mountain Day Activity

Ghost Town in the Mountains Coloring Page

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Enough to Share

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Spirit Bear Coloring Pages from the Royal BC Museum

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Sharks in Kansas: The Ancient Sea in the Middle of America

Written by Melissa Stewart | Illustrated by Becca Stadtlander

Shark Week Activity

Fintastic Shark Fun

Sharks in Kansas Coloring Page and Reading Guide

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