International Country Music Day was established in 2003 with September 17th chosen to honor Hank Williams, one of country music’s most influential artists. The day was created to bring together country music artists and fans from all over the world to celebrate their favorite music genre. To celebrate today, listen to your favorite artists from the past and today! And don’t forget to honor the Grand Ole Opry by adding today’s book to your family’s country music collection!
Howdy! Welcome to the Grand Ole Opry!
Written by Emily Frans | Illustrated by Susanna Chapman | Foreword by Lainey Wilson
Celebrating its 100th anniversary with a buoyant “Howdy!”, the Grand Ole Opry (Opry for short) welcomes readers in for a personal tour of the beloved home of country music, where “history is made and stars are born.” Following their knowledgeable guide through the performers’ entrance, kids first check in with the security guard to get their backstage pass and dressing room number. Passes in hand, kids continue backstage, where they feel the excitement in the air and view pictures of past stars who graced the stage. “Did you know my show started way back in 1925?” The Grand Ole Opry asks.
While looking for their dressing room, children find themselves in the midst of today’s hottest stars all warming up or jamming together before the show. Prepped for their performance, kids stop by the Family Room to wait for their turn on stage. They’re in good company as photos of the “Opry family” surround them, and tonight’s other performers are hanging out there too.
At seven minutes to showtime, kids meet the band in the rehearsal space. Five minutes to showtime, and kids are heading for the stage, where the crew is making last-minute adjustments. Nearby, “musicians and performers stand by waiting for their cue to walk on stage” while the Opry Square Dancers warm up on the sidelines.
Thirty seconds to showtime! Almost time for readers to stand center stage in the storied circle of wood cut from the Ryman Auditorium, country music’s original home. The countdown begins, and the Opry is there with encouragement. “10, 9, 8 . . . Take a deep breath . . . 7, 6, 5 . . . Don’t be nervous, you’ve got this! . . . 4, 3, 2, 1 . . . The curtain is coming up and the band is kicking off your song! Here we go!”
The reader is met with thunderous applause as the drums beat and the bass thrums. Energy and love surround them! The Opry is full of congratulations—”You did it! You made your Opry debut!” And encouragement: “Wasn’t it fun imagining what it would be like to perform on country music’s most famous stage? If you work hard and dream big enough, anything is possible!”
A brief history of the Grand Ole Opry, plus memories from Lauren Alaina, Kelsea Ballerini, Scotty McCreery, and Dolly Parton about their Opry debut follow the story.
The excitement inside the Grand Ole Opry is palpable in Emily Frans’ welcoming introduction to this historic venue, beloved by country music fans everywhere. Whether readers simply adore listening to country music or have the big stage in their sights, they’ll be enthralled with Frans’ personal, direct-address storytelling that makes them feel like one of the Opry family.
As raucous and inviting as the Grand Ole Opry itself, Susanna Chapman’s visually remarkable and whimsical collage-style illustrations are sure to have children and adults starstruck with the abundance of photographs of their favorite performers playing and singing. Fans of a certain age will be cheered to once again see Minnie Pearl with her signature “How-Dee!!!”, Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, Roy Acuff, Charlie Pride, Little Jimmy Dickens, Patsy Cline, and Deford Bailey, among others. Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, Blake Shelton, Darius Rucker, Loretta Lynn, and others are also here, while the younger generation will be wowed by Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs, Lady A, Carrie Underwood, Scotty McCreery, Chapel Hart, Post Malone, and more. And, of course, the ageless Dolly Parton is celebrated throughout.
Inspiration and aspiration meet history and tradition in Howdy! Welcome to the Grand Ole Opry!, an extraordinary tribute to this one-of-a-kind music venue and it’s stars on its 100th anniversary. The book is a must for country music fans as well as for all library collections.
Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2025 | ISBN 978-1419774249
About the Illustrator
Susanna Chapman is an illustrator, muralist, and designer. Her illustrated picture books include Covered in Color: Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s Fabrics of Freedom; Elizabeth Warren’s Big, Bold Plans; The Girl Who Ran; and Ada and the Galaxies. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee. Visit her at susannachapman.com.
You can purchase Howdy! Welcome to the Grand Ole Opry! from these booksellers
You can find rocks almost everywhere you go—from tiny pebbles to imposing boulders. Most of the time we may not pay much attention to the pebbles under our feet or the rock formations we pass frequently, but today’s holiday encourages people to really take a look at the variety of sizes and colors that make each rock unique. Rock collecting can be a fun and educational hobby as each type of stone has its own fascinating history and science to learn about. Why not get outside, do a bit of rock hunting, and start your collections today?!
Talking Rocks and Minerals: Fact-Packed Guide to Geology
Written by Paige Towler | Illustrated by Matthew Carlson
In Talking Rocks and Minerals, readers meet ace reporter Pebble, whose resume boasts, “I’m in constant conversation with the gems of geology. The rock stars of rocking the rock world. The minerals making the mentions.” And he’s not kidding! A quick scan of his notebook reveals interviews scheduled with all the big names in rock, and he’s sent an open invitation for kids to come along and hear what they have to say. First up, readers meet an igneous rock, who regales them with memories of long, long, long ago when he started out as magma then cooled to become granite, “one of the strongest stones on earth.”
From there, Pebble moves on to talk to Coal and Limestone and discovers the layered story of what it’s like being a sedimentary rock. A couple of geodes then roll by to give kids a peek of the secrets they hold inside and make their story “crystal clear.” Amethyst gives an exclusive, showing how this royal gem developed, from when “a volcano blew its top” to the gamma rays that turned it purple. Pebble then introduces kids to two types of metamorphic rock—Marble and Gneiss—that start out as one kind of stone but under pressure and heat become another.
After learning the steps to the rock cycle, kids go deep underground to meet Diamond and learn how diamonds are formed from carbon and how they appear before they’re polished to a shine. Pebble interviews other gems too, like Emerald, Sapphire, and Ruby, who shine a light on how different minerals create such a variety of colorful and valuable stones.
Emerging from underground, Pebble talks with pyrite, a shiny, golden mineral that often fooled prospectors during California’s gold rush, who has a surprising revelation to share. Continuing his walk, Pebble encounters a dinosaur fossil, who recounts how bones, leaves, and footprints become fossilized, leaving evidence of creatures and plants from eons ago. Speaking of eons ago, a trio of space rocks drop in—assuring Pebble “We come in pieces.”—to contrast asteroids from meteorites and tell how meteorites come to Earth.
Surrounded by all of his new friends, Pebbles signs off, but the learning continues. Back matter includes a glossary, a note from a geologist, a list of ideas on how kids can become rock hounds, and a bibliography of more books to check out.
Gem-packed with puns, jokes, and hard-core facts, Paige Towler’s Talking Rocks and Minerals will excite kids already enthralled with geology and spark enthusiasm in those unfamiliar with the science, variety, and history of rocks we see every day as well as the stones we prize as valuable. Towler’s accessible text will appeal to all learners, making the book an excellent resource for educators. Her conversational delivery draws children in, creating a personal connection between them and the subject that will continue as they grow in their scientific studies.
Matthew Carlson’s eye-catching pages reflect how children learn today, offering adorable interacting characters, separate panels or full-page spreads that illustrate particular facts or scientific processes, and a wealth of detail that allows children to see the layers in sedimentary rock, look inside a geode, follow the rock cycle and the preservation of prehistoric creatures in fossils, and watch an asteroid plummet through Earth’s atmosphere to become a meteorite, among so many other elements.
A brilliant teaming of author and illustrator, Talking Rocks and Minerals: Fact-Packed Guide to Geology is an enriching and enlightening STEM book that is a must for all elementary classrooms, geology-loving children, science educators, and library collections.
Ages 6 – 9
Grosset & Dunlap, 2025 | ISBN 978-0593890950
About the Author
Paige Towler is a children’s book author and poet living in Washington, DC. She loves writing scary stories, tales about animals, and nonfiction facts about the weird and wonderful world around us. Her previous picture books include Mysterious, Marvelous Octopus! (National Geographic Kids), Baby Bat Bedtime(Smithsonian Institution/Sleeping Bear Press),Yoga Animals(National Geographic Kids), and more. Visit her at paigetowler.com.
About the Illustrator
Matthew Carlson is an illustrator, game designer, and graphic designer in Northern California. He studied art and English literature at the University of California, Berkeley. He’s illustrated projects for Robert Mondavi Wines, Facebook, and Twitter, and is currently the director of UX Design for Education, Fonts, and Drawing & Painting at Adobe. Originally from Seattle, Washington, Matthew now lives in Marin, California, with his partner, two kids, two dogs, and a growing collection of rocks.
You can purchase Talking Rocks and Minerals: Fact-Packed Guide to Geology from these booksellers:
On this date in 1890, Agatha Christie was born in Torquay, Devon England. She began writing detective fiction while working as a nurse during World War 1 and published her first novel—The Mysterious Affair at Styles—in 1920. This novel introduced the world to the Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, who went on to be featured in 25 novels and many short stories. Miss Jane Marple—an insightful spinster whose world view was limited to her own small town—appeared in 1930 in Murder at the Vicarage.
Agatha Christie also wrote plays, and her works have been adapted for the big screen as well as for multiple series on television and through streaming. Agatha Christie has delighted and influenced multiple generations of readers and continues to do so. Her books have sold more than 100 million copies and have been translated into 100 languages. She died on January 12, 1976 in Wallingford, Oxfordshire. To commemorate her life, read (or reread) one of her novels or watch a movie or show based on one of Hercule Poirot’s or Miss Marple’s intriguing cases. It’s also a perfect time to introduce your kids to Agatha with today’s book!
Thank you to Twirl Books and Barbara Fisch at Blue Slip Media for sending me a copy of this book for review.
The Agatha Case Files: Welcome to Kittyville
Written by Paul Martin | Illustrated by Camille Roy
Do your kids love mysteries? Do they have “little gray cells” that can discern fact from well-disguised fiction, an eye for the telltale clue, and a natural desire to help those in distress? If so, they’ll want to join Agatha as her sidekick in solving the eight cases that make up the clever and challenging collection of mysteries in The Agatha Case Files: Welcome to Kittyville.
As Case 1: The Snatched Suitcase opens, Agatha has just departed the train at the Kittyville station “with a big dream: to become a detective.” No sooner has she stepped onto the platform when she notices Dr. Erica Poodle, a famous scientist, who’s been knocked to ground. Dr. Poodle tells Agatha that her suitcase containing the plans for her latest invention has been taken.
As Dr. Poodle reveals more about her suitcase, readers join Agatha as she investigates all the action at the train station and in the train still idling on the tracks. There’s so much for a detective to consider. There are the passengers lounging inside the train cars, those waiting outside on the platform, and even more coming and going inside the station. And then there are the painters on the roof and the workers in the station’s offices, cafe, ticket booth, and newsstand.
With her trusty binoculars, Agatha spies Dr. Poodle’s suitcase and a clue nearby. She asks her sidekick readers if they see them too. The clue whittles the number of suspects down to four. After interrogating them, Agatha turns over their statements, as well as the statement by the witness, to readers to think about. Agatha then provides three of her own insights into the case to help kids crack the case. If they need a bit more help, the solution to the case can be found in the back of the book.
The other seven mysteries that Agatha and readers investigate follow the same format: an introduction, three clues that help kids shrink the suspect pool to four, one witness statement, and finally three prompts to set kids in the right direction. These other cases take Agatha and kids to Dr. Erika Poodle’s lab, a newly inherited mansion, a museum of natural history, the Savings Bank, the Kittyville Elementary School carnival, a circus, and Agatha’s own house.
This well-conceived interactive book not only provides plenty of fun but is an excellent way to engage children in critical reading and thinking, help them develop keen observation skills, and assist in sharpening their reasoning abilities.
Paul Martin presents each case in compelling high-stakes vignettes that will pique reader’s investigative interest and get their brains whirring as they scan the crime scenes. His straightforward and easy-to-understand descriptions and prompts allow all levels of detectives to solve the cases on their own or with a bit of assistance from an adult or older sibling.
Camille Roy fills her dynamic gatefold pages with an astonishing array of details that add humor and intrigue to every case. The panoramic images boast red herrings, humor, and tons of atmospheric elements that fully flesh out each environment. These enticing details also offer opportunities for extension fun, including creating homemade “I Spy” games, counting and sorting, drawing, and making up stories about the people, families, and groups populating each scene.
The Agatha Case Files: Welcome to Kittyville is an ingenious book that will excite young sleuths and puzzle fans alike and would be a much-appreciated gift or addition to any home bookshelf or library collection. Add case-inspired snacks and each mystery would make for an entertaining family fun night too!
Ages 5 and up
Twirl Books, 2025 | ISBN 979-1036381447
About the Author
A long-time editor of a children’s magazine, Paul Martin now writes novels, puzzle books, and graphic novels for children. He lives in Lille, France.
About the Illustrator
Camille Roy is an illustrator who lives in Paris, France.
Agatha Christie’s Birthday Activity
Elements of a Mystery Word Search Puzzle
Follow the clues to solve this mystery-related word search puzzle!
Today’s holiday was conceived by the Encouragement Foundation at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas as a day to prompt people to consciously engage in encouraging and inspiring others. On September 12, 2007 Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe signed a proclamation for a “State Day of Encouragement.” President George W. Bush later established September 12 as a National Day of Encouragement. To celebrate today, cheer on your friends, coworkers, and even those you don’t know as they go about their day, attempt to reach goals, or start new endeavors. A pat on the back, a simple “you can do it!,” or a reassuring “great job!” boosts people’s self-confidence and makes the world a happier place.
Thank you to Scholastic for sending me a copy of Messi’s Magic for review.
Messi’s Magic: How Lionel Messi Became the G.O.A.T
Written by Caroline L. Perry | Illustrated by Luciano Lozano
Lionel Messi was born in Rosario, Argentina, where no matter what was going on—work or play—”everything stopped for soccer.” Leo’s brothers loved to play soccer in the backyard and Leo joined in “as soon as he could stand.” With his grandma Celia’s support, he joined the neighborhood team when he was only four years old. His first time out, he scored two goals against the older players.
At six years old, Leo joined a bigger club. As he grew older, he became a formidable player, spurred on by natural talent and his coach’s chocolate cookies. Over six seasons his skills “became even sweeter” as he scored nearly 500 goals and became the club champion. Then he was rocked by two unexpected events. First, his beloved grandma Celia died. Second, Leo was not growing taller like his teammates. Tests showed that he had a growth hormone disorder. Treatment would be expensive—more than his family could afford. While Leo’s parents worked longer hours, he worked on his skills. His practicing paid off when, at just 13, he was “offered a trial with FC Barcelona, one of Europe’s top soccer clubs.”
Even though he was nervous, “Leo dribbled, danced, and dazzled.” The team signed him right away and agreed to pay for his medical treatment. Far away from home, Leo struggled with his medicine and making friends. But Leo stayed focused, and when game days came he “dashed around defenders . . . set up stunning assists . . . glided past goalies” and made “GOAAAAALLLLLLLLL!!!” after “GOAAAAALLLLLLLLL!!!” At just seventeen, Leo joined FC Barcelona’s first team.
Now, his goals were met with the cheers of 90,000 fans, and when the team lost, Leo simply practiced harder. Whenever he made a goal, Leo “pointed two fingers up to the sky, dedicating the goals to Grandma Celia.” Now, Leo has his own soccer-obsessed family, and in Rosario “everything still stops for soccer. Especially when Leo Messi is making magic.”
Back matter includes a timeline of Leo Messi’s life, a list of his professional awards won and records set, more facts about Leo’s life and family, an Author’s Note, and an Artist’s note.
In her thrilling biography of Lionel Messi, Caroline L. Perry brings all the excitement of his phenomenal soccer skills as well as his resilience in the face of challenges to young readers. Her lyrical and descriptive storytelling hums with dynamic motion, honest emotions, and the long-held passion that kept Messi focused on his goals and his Goaaallll!s. Children—whether they play and watch soccer or engage in other activities—will find Lionel Messi’s childhood and teenage success fascinating, encouraging, and inspiring.
Luciano Lozano takes readers from Leo Messi’s backyard soccer field to the big leagues in his vibrant and realistic illustrations that spotlight Messi’s extraordinary talent and the pleasure playing gave him while also sensitively depicting his struggles with loneliness, grief, and his health. In one evocative page spread, Leo’s small stature is contrasted with the enormity of his dreams through an image of him and his shadow. The strong family support Leo enjoyed and now shares with his own children is also highlighted in heartwarming spreads.
Ages 4 – 8
Scholastic, 2025 | ISBN 978-1546179078
About the Illustrator
Luciano Lozano is an award-winning author, illustrator, and graphic artist based in Lionel Messi’s adopted city of Barcelona, Spain. Luciano’s picture books include Boys Dance by John Robert Allman, Ciao Sandro! by Steven Varni, and his very own Diana Dances. A self-taught artist who studied creative illustration in a postgraduate course at EINA University School of Design and Art of Barcelona, he also creates editorial art for newspapers and magazines worldwide. Learn more at lucianolozano.com.
Meet Caroline L. Perry
Caroline L. Perry is the author of the acclaimed picture book The Corgi and the Queen illustrated by Lydia Corry, as well as several forthcoming books for children. A lifelong soccer fan, a youth soccer coach, and mum to three soccer-obsessed kids (who can frequently be found squabbling over goal stats), Caroline also volunteers as a public-school writing instructor. She lives in Southern California with her family. Learn more at carolinelperry.com.
Today I’m chatting with Caroline L. Perry about how her newest book Messi’s Magic: How Lionel Messi became the G.O.A.T came to be, her experiences as a children’s soccer coach, and a few of her favorite small museums.
Hi Caroline! Thanks for taking the time to talk with me today! What most inspired you to write Messi’s Magic?
Since Messi signed with Inter Miami in 2023, he’s inspired young fans in a way we haven’t seen before—I like to joke that he’s the Taylor Swift of the sports world! There are already middle-grade and fact-based books about Messi’s journey, but I wanted to create something for the youngest supporters: a beautifully illustrated tribute that captures the magic of his journey from a small, shy child to the greatest soccer player of all time.
Can you share the book’s journey with readers?
Absolutely! When I write biographies, I use a ‘full immersion’ approach: I read, watch, and absorb everything I can about my subject, always looking for the story’s heart, or its ‘north star.’ Messi’s story is incredible, he overcame loss, serious illness and immense challenges on his path to greatness, and I think that’s really what makes him such a hero. Yes, he’s an exceptional player, but there are also so many elements from his life that young readers can relate to. My editor, Tracy Mack, was the perfect partner for this book, and the Scholastic team have been wonderful to work with. I couldn’t be happier with the way Messi’s Magic turned out!
What was the most surprising thing you learned while researching this book?
There were many fascinating details, but I was most surprised to learn that Messi was a very picky eater as a child, and that his incredible goal-scoring was sometimes encouraged with cookies (as someone with a very sweet tooth myself, this resonated!) I also discovered that Messi’s famous ‘two fingers to the sky’ goal celebration is actually a tribute to his late grandmother Celia, who played a huge role in nurturing his love of the game. I thought this was really beautiful, and it also tells us a lot about Messi’s character.
On your website, you mention that you’ve had fun coaching kids’ soccer. What is it about the game of soccer that would you say makes it a good experience for kids?
Me at the Inter-Miami vs LA Galaxy game with Leo Messi in the background.
Soccer is a wonderfully democratic sport—you don’t need anything except a ball, some determination and a willingness to learn. As a coach, it’s incredible to watch kids transform: I’ve seen really timid players become fearless defenders, and kids struggling with friendships form unbreakable bonds on the field. I’ve been lucky to witness so many moments of growth, teamwork, and pure elation after a win! Even in the sadder moments (following a loss, for example) magic happens when the team commiserates together.
Luciano Lozano’s realistic and action-packed illustrations really bring readers onto the field and into Leo Messi’s life. Did you get to see sketches along the way or how did the process go?
Yes! I was lucky to see sketches and artwork at various stages, and it was a very collaborative process. Luciano did an incredible job of capturing both Messi’s unique style of play and the electric energy of the stadium and crowd scenes.
Is there a certain spread that’s your favorite? If so, what makes it distinctive for you?
Oh, that’s tough! If I had to pick, it would be the spread showing Messi about to step onto the field at Camp Nou, FC Barcelona’s stadium, in front of 90,000 fans. The art radiates excitement and anticipation, and I love that Luciano included Messi’s contemporaries, Ronaldinho and Eto’o, as part of the scene. I hope young soccer fans will enjoy those details!
In your bio you mention that you love finding out-of-the-way museums. Which one of these museums stands out most in your memory and why?
There are a few! Pollocks Toy Museum in London is tiny, eccentric, and delightful, a real passion project filled with vintage treasures. Over the summer, I also took my kids to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s museum—we were the only visitors, but it was fascinating to see how pharmacy and medicine have evolved over the years. In Stockholm, we stumbled across a small Wooden Horse Museum, and I honestly wanted to take half of the exhibits home with me!
What’s the best thing about being a children’s author?
Honestly, it’s getting to engage with young readers, who are endlessly imaginative, curious, and enthusiastic. Their energy is often contagious and always inspiring!
Since this blog highlights holidays and you’ve lived in and traveled to so many countries, could you share one of your favorite global holidays and what makes it special?
My visit to a festa in Malta.
Malta, the tiny Mediterranean island where my extended family lives, will always hold a special place in my heart. The festas there are absolutely magical—each village celebrates its patron saint with music, fireworks, and food, and the whole community comes together. Malta itself is unique, with more than 7,000 years of history, and it also happens to be the setting for my recently released book, The Memory Cake.
You must have had some amazing adventures! Would you like to share a couple of them with readers?
Me and a quokka on Wadjemup/Rottnest Island, Australia.
Another unforgettable experience was visiting Wadjemup/Rottnest Island in Australia, where I had the chance to meet a quokka up close. That really was a dream come true, especially since the main character of my upcoming book, I AM NOT HAPPY!, is a misunderstood marsupial.
Argentinian flags in Buenos Aires
And then there’s Argentina, Messi’s homeland, where my husband and I honeymooned. I’d love to go back someday, hopefully to experience the joy of watching a fútbol match there. Each of these places has given me not only incredible memories but also inspiration for my writing.
What’s up next for you?
In October, my funny story about a mercurial quokka, I AM NOT HAPPY! (illustrated by Sydney Hanson) comes out with Simon & Schuster. I also have a humorous book scheduled for 2026, along with a few other exciting projects in the works. Plenty to look forward to!
Thank you so much, Caroline for stopping by and sharing so much about Messi’s Magic: How Lionel Messi Became the G.O.A.T.! I wish you all the best with this book! I’m sure kids are eager to read it—and your upcoming books as well!
National Day of Encouragement Activity
Watch Lionel Messi in Action
Be amazed by Leo Messi’s dazzling footwork in this YouTube video courtesy of Kyliann22Second!
You can purchase Messi’s Magic: How Lionel Messi Became the G.O.A.T from these booksellers
With summer weather beginning to cool and fall on the horizon, kids’ thoughts naturally turn to the thrills and chills of Halloween! Whether your kids like spine-chillers, ghost stories, or stories that make them giggle, Halloween-themed books are a rib-tickling way to enjoy the season. Digging into today’s book is a perfect way to unearth your Halloween spirit!
The Zombees
Written by Justin Colón | Illustrated by Kaly Quarles
A witch-y trick-or-treater passing by the graveyard gate is startled by a “creepy buzzing sound” as “fuzzy legs” emerge from tombs “spewing funky, fetid fumes.” As these undead zombees rise into the sky and toward the town, the freaked-out trick-or-treater worries: “Are they hunting for a snack?/Do they like the taste of veins?/Have they come to EAT YOUR BRAINS?!”
She runs for safety into the library, where the librarian frantically phones for help. In their beekeeper’s suits and armed with smokers, the rescuers arrive . . .. But wait! Hacking through the noxious fog, the zombees declare “‘We mean no harm—we come in peace.'” In fact, since no one ever rings their bell on Halloween, the bees have come to town to deliver a very special treat.
After enjoying the festivities, it’s time for the bees to buzz back home. There, as they wipe away makeup with “Boo Gone” and take off their costumes, they relive all the fun they had. And though their “ghoulish work is done” for this year, they’re already planning for next Halloween!
Kids will be buzzing to hear Justin Colón’s bee-riff-ic mashup of zombie lore and the scary delights of Halloween again and again. Colón’s free-flowing rhymes are perfect for dramatic, spooky-voiced read alouds during the Halloween season and beyond.
Kaly Quarles concocts an atmospheric brew of foggy graveyards, ghostly creepers, and moldering zombees that will give kids giddy shivers. The clever costumes her trick-or-treaters wear as they fan out across town may inspire readers’ Halloween looks. Kids will also want to keep their eyes out for the visual puns, allusions to bees and honey, and the humorous shenanigans of the witch’s cat.
Shivery Halloween fun is in the bag with TheZombees, an inventive romp that will find plenty of life in any library collection.
Ages 4 – 8
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2025 | ISBN 978-1665922500
About the Author
Justin Colón is a professional actor and children’s book author. His previous picture books include The Quacken (illustrated by Pablo Pino) and Impossible Possums (illustrated by James Rey Sanchez). A lover of Halloween and zombie movies, Justin is also a backyard beekeeper. Though his bees sometimes frighten the neighbors, they’ve never tried to eat their brains—something Justin takes great pride in. He lives in New York, but you can visit him at JustinColonBooks.com.
About the Illustrator
Kaly Quarles studied interior design and worked in architecture before landing in illustration. Her love for historic shopfronts, Victoriana, and vintage ephemera runs deep. When Kaly isn’t drawing with a cat in her lap, she’s hunting for obscure antiques, watching or reading historical fiction, or hosting one-woman pastry-eating contests. Visit her on kalyquarles.com.
Get Ready for Halloween Activity
The Zombees Activity Pages
Kids will have lots of Halloween fun with The Zombees and seven spooktacular activity sheets—including coloring pages and puzzles—from Justin Colón and Kaly Quarles. Educators also will have a blast sharing this book with the fantastic Educator Guide that includes ELA, Math, Science, and Art Extension Activities! They’re all found on Justin Colón’s website!
Happiness Happens Month reminds us that happiness doesn’t have to be something we plan for or spend money on. In fact paying attention to those 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! With summer coming to a close and school starting again, it’s a great time to reflect on the fun you’ve had over the past months and all the memories that are about to be made as another year of activities, education, new friendships, and excitement unfolds. Happiness really does come to you if you look for it and let it happen!
An Abundance of Light: a Story of Matisse in Morocco
By Lauren Stringer
As Paris endured a cold and rainy season, Henri Matisse suffered. How could he paint light and colors when he was surrounded by gray? His friend Albert Marquet suggested he visit Tangier, Morocco, “where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea.” There, he said, “the sunlight was abundant!” Henri packed up all of his supplies and made the trip. But it seemed Henri had brought the rainy weather with him. He tried to paint colorful irises and a basket of oranges and lemons, but he still felt gloomy and trapped.
Then one night while Henri slept, the rain stopped. In the morning he woke to ” . . . an abundance of light. A luminous light. A dazzling light.” Henri took his sketchbook and hurried into town, where color shimmered from the pink mosque to the vibrant Grand Socco market to the Casbah gateway to old Medina. Everywhere he looked he saw the vividness of life. Brightly patterned rugs and painted pottery reminded him of the art his grandparents and mother created in their drab town. “Henri felt a glimmer in the cloudy and dark.”
Henri found a large garden to paint in and began painting the lavender branches, green acanthus, blue periwinkles and “pink-tomato sky” he saw. Despite his “bright and bold” colors, he still felt something cloudy and dark. Then one day, following the music of fiddles, flutes, and drums that filled the air. Henri found a cafe, “where men in long robes gazed at goldfish in round bowls.” Henri was mesmerized by the reds and golds of the fish as well.
When Henri left the cafe, “he saw an abundance of shadows.” In fact, the dark shadows accentuated the light. Finally, he understood that light and color and dark could work together. In his new paintings he surrounded his colorful subjects with colorful shadows. He interpreted light itself into brilliant color. And in a painting completed from his hotel window, Henri painted shadows of such a dark blue that he realized “he could paint light and color, even in the dark.” At home when Henri displayed his paintings in a gallery in Paris, they were a sensation. Now, whenever the skies turned gloomy and rainy, Henri remembered the abundance of light in Morocco and painted.
Back matter includes a short biography about Henri Matisse’s childhood, a discussion of Matisse and his time in Tangier, and a note from the Lauren Stringer about her trip to Tangier that inspired her story. She also includes an illustrated glossary of terms found in the book.
Celebrated author, picture book illustrator, and painter Lauren Stringer immerses young children in a particular time in Henri Matisse’s life and reveals how he overcame obstacles to create some of this best-known paintings. His struggles and search for enlightenment are simply and honestly portrayed, lending to his eureka moment deep joy and surprise. The enthusiastic reception for these paintings, Matisse’s newly discovered ability to find light and color even during dark days, and the lessons his artistic parents demonstrated are all reminders that light shines from within.
Stringer’s striking pastel, charcoal, gouache, and digital media illustrations entice readers to join Henri Matisse on his journeys both internal and artistic. Her realistic depictions of Matisse’s circle of famous friends, and the sights of Tangier will entice readers to learn more. As Henri breaks out of his artist’s block, Stringer portrays him with a sprightliness of step, a perceptive eye, and a deft touch with the brush. Readers will be especially fascinated by the side-by-side models and paintings that reveal how Matisse transposed reality to canvas.
An Abundance of Light is a must addition to school and public libraries collections and is highly recommended for art-loving and artistic children. The book would also make an impactful resource for art classrooms and creative projects.
Ages 4 – 8
Beach Lane Books, 2025 | ISBN 978-1534493629
About the Author/Illustrator
Lauren Stringer has illustrated many celebrated picture books, including Deer Dancerby Mary Lyn Ray; The Princess and Her Panther by Wendy Orr; Scarecrow and Snow, both written by Cynthia Rylant; as well as her own Winter Is the Warmest Season, When Stravinsky Met Nijinsky, The Dark Was Done, and An Abundance of Light. She lives with her family in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Visit her at LaurenStringer.com.
Happiness Happens Month Activity
Happiness Is… Game
Happiness is all around you! Grab one or more friends to play a game that reveals what things make you happy.
Like the “Geography” game: the first player names something that makes them happy, the next player must think of something that starts with the last letter of the word the previous player said. The game continues with each player continuing the pattern. Players drop out as they cannot think of a word. The last player left is the winner.
You can purchase An Abundance of Light from these booksellers
International Read Comics in Public Day was established in 2010 by comic lovers Brian Heater and Sarah Morean, who also created the comic blog “The Daily Cross Hatch.” They chose August 28th, Jack Kirby’s birthday, for this holiday that celebrates the various comic genres and styles. Kirby, born in 1917, was an American comic book artist, writer, and editor who is widely heralded as one of the medium’s most prolific and innovative creators. He co-created many iconic characters for Marvel, including the IncredibleHulk, Captain America, the Fantastic Four, Iron Man, the Black Panther, and Thor. To celebrate today, grab your favorite comics and head outside to enjoy the summer day and see what your favorite characters are up to.
Thank you to Harry N. Abrams for sending me a copy of this book for review.
All the Hulk Feels
By Dan Santat
It’s been a maddening day for Bruce Banner. First “The Leader” requests Bruce’s least favorite song be played on the radio during his morning commute. Then, during lunch at the Luvbürger, he finds a pickle on his sandwich when he clearly asked for No Pickles. Could Leader be behind that too? Each of these infractions makes Doctor Banner so angry that Hulk appears. And Hulk is not happy (although all the kids who witness these transformations are thrilled). At the Luvbürger, a boy gives Hulk a crayon with this advice: “Coloring makes me feel better.”
Hulk takes it to heart and scribbles on a piece of paper. Feeling calmer, he stuffs the paper into his pants pocket and continues eating his lunch. Two minutes later, Bruce reemerges only to taste, and immediately “PTOO!” another pickle. Aware now of the paper in his pocket, he takes it out and reads the missive from Hulk. Hulk proclaims “Burger GOOD!” There are pictures of a burger surrounded by hearts and of Bruce blowing his top. Hulk has written, “Dear Bruce, Hulk think you mad for wrong reasons.” He closes with the picture of a pickle and the words “no mad at pickle.” Bruce Banner becomes enraged.
He takes up the crayon, answers Hulk’s letter, and stuffs it into his pocket just before—you guessed it—Hulk appears once more. He grabs the letter and reads. “Dear Hulk, I know we have never met, but we share the same body. Please don’t tell me how to feel. I have real feelings and I can feel them when I want.” Letters fly back and forth as Hulk and Bruce try to make their case. Hulk snaps the crayon in two. Meanwhile, Leader is laughing his head off because his plan to rule the world is working perfectly. While Bruce and Hulk are distracted, Leader frees all the super villains from prison and lets them loose on the city.
Seeing the broken crayon, Bruce realizes his words have consequences, and he writes an apology. In his follow up, Hulk is eloquent in his view that Bruce is lucky because he “feel all feel” while Hulk can “only feel mad” but wishes he could “feel other feel” like laughter, love, and even crying. They come to an understanding: “Hulk okay be mad if smash bad guy!”
Turns out this will work as at this very moment a van is flipping through the air toward Bruce Banner and a tyke on a trike. In the blink of an eye, Hulk saves the day and cleans up Leader’s mess.
Humorous and heartfelt, Dan Santat’s foray into the Marvel Universe takes readers on an alternating transformative learning experience that will resonate with kids—and adults—whose emotions can sometimes become overwhelming and lead to misplaced anger. Bruce’s dismissive attitude toward Hulk’s advice and Hulk’s self-awareness weaves a poignant thread throughout the story while demonstrating to readers that the effects of one person’s anger are felt by many others. As Bruce Banner and Hulk settle their argument, kids see the benefits of talking things out, listening to others, and empathy.
Santat’s dynamic graphic panels are packed with action that will excite kids as Bruce Banner transforms into Hulk and back leaving Hulk confused as to what all the fuss is about. Kids will enjoy picking out Marvel allusions, following Bruce’s ever-changing shirts following his Hulk phases, and catching Leader in his nefarious plots from page to page.
Younger children and adults will have a blast sharing All the Hulk Feels, while emerging and independent readers will find the large text and well-attributed dialog bubbles easy to follow. This fun and perceptive book will easily become a favorite (especially among Marvel fans) on home bookshelves and for library collections.
Ages 4 – 8
Harry N. Abrams/Abrams Fanfare, 2025 | ISBN 978-1419776137
About the Author/Illustrator
Dan Santat is the Caldecott Medal–winning and New York Times–bestselling author and illustrator of All the Hulk Feels, The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend, and the road trip/time travel adventure Are We There Yet? His artwork is also featured in numerous picture books, chapter books, and middle-grade novels, including Dav Pilkey’s Ricky Ricotta series. Dan lives in Southern California with his wife, two kids, and many, many pets. Join him on Instagram.
International Read Comics in Public Day Activity
Create Your Own Story
It’s so much fun to let your imagination roar! Use these printable comic style pages to create a story as unique as you are!
Comic Panels with Colorful Borders Page 1 | Page 2
Comic Panels with Black and White Borders Page 1 | Page 2
You can purchase All the Hulk Feels from these booksellers
celebratepicturebooks.com 