October 11 – Myths and Legends Day

About the Holiday

Myths and legends have been part of human history since the beginning of time. Created to explain natural phenomena, to entertain, or to inspire, myths have been passed down from every culture and now reside in our collective consciousness. Today’s holiday celebrates these stories and their long history. To take part, read about your favorite mythical creatures and legends or discover new ones. Today’s book is a great place to start!

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

The Ultimate Book of Mythical Creatures

Written by Aurore Meyer | Illustrated by Gabrielle Berger

Don’t be surprised if upon opening this beautiful, oversized book you hear the galloping hooves of unicorns or the bewitching song of sirens who can lure sailors to destruction. You may even spy a mermaid in love! How is this possible? It’s easy! You’ve just entered the “Enchanting and Mysterious” world of mythical creatures, who have mesmerized people going back to ancient times. On this first page, a lovely 17-inch-long pop-up transports you to a forest of the Middle Ages, where a blessing of unicorns carries a fair maiden through the trees while Pegasus hides among them.

Ready to turn the page? Look out! It’s the Kraken! Bursting from the roiling sea with a ship in two tentacles, but six more to grab you, this beast from Scandinavian folklore already has you in his yellow-eyed sights! You’re now surrounded by “Monsters of the Deep,” including the Jörmungandr, “a monstrous sea serpent from Norse mythology . . . so big that it encircles Earth and bites its own tail!” Help him do this with the pull of a tab! Here, you’ll also meet a leviathan, Nessie, and several other water monsters.

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Gabrielle Berger. Text copyright © 2026 by Aurore Meyer. Published by Twirl Books copyright © 2026.

Next up are “Frightful and Fearsome” creatures. You’ll get to know the Gorgons, the vampirish chupacabra, and “the mischievous tokoloshe, who “likes to destroy homework” (a fun upgrade from the old “the dog ate my homework!”), among others. In “Winged Beings,” keep your eyes to the skies to watch for the immortal phoenix; Minokawa, a “gargantuan dragon-bird from Philippine mythology;” Beelzebub, a demonic fly you’ll never stop with a swatter!; and many more.

All mythical creatures aren’t frightening, though. Meet this collection of “Forest Creatures”: The dryads invite you to dance with them using a wheel that spins around the trunk of a pop-up tree, and if you’re quiet two shy koropokkuru may come out from hiding to say hi! Don’t get too comfy, though! You’re about to meet seven “Extraordinary Dragons” with fearful powers from Greek, Chinese, European, Scandinavian, and Native American legends.

Think mythical creatures can’t get any bigger than dragons? Then you’ve never met the “Gigantic Beasts” who star in legends from around the world. Beware the ogres, who have “incredible strength,” “foul breath” and . . . love to eat “children, well-seasoned and roasted!” You’ll help hatch Pangu from a cosmic egg before meeting a few more oversized baddies. Need a respite? Turn to “Powerful Protectors,” where a spiked Behemoth pops up to greet you! You’ll learn more about seven “mighty guardians of their realms” through interactive elements, including a wheel, a booklet, a flap, and a tab that lets you help Barong, from Balinese mythology, dance!

“Curious Chimeras” closes out this incredible compendium of mythological beings with stories of creatures who are “a mix of different animals—or even part human and part beast!” These powerful creatures are represented throughout global cultures and even influence today’s popular novels.

Accompanied by more than 50 dynamic pop-ups, pull-tabs, flaps, booklets, and more interactive elements, Aurore Meyer’s scintillating descriptions of each mythological creature and the legends behind them will thrill young readers—and adults as well! Meyer’s prose is graceful, evocative, and conversational, inviting children not only to learn about each being but to imagine their power, cleverness, global significance, and to appreciate their influence on our culture still today.

Gabrielle Berger’s abundance of intricate illustrations is nothing short of astounding. Each page immerses readers in animated scenes of mythological beings in their natural habitats, interacting with humans, popping out of hiding, flying, breathing fire, wrecking havoc in numerous ways, and even eating the moon. Each interactive element brings a new and surprising twist or further enlightenment to accompany Aurore Meyer’s text. The six extraordinarily large pop ups are showstoppers—the Kraken rises a menacing ten inches above the spread, each tentacle a separate threatening hook, and the impundulu flies from the page with an astonishing 13-inch wing span.

If you are looking for a gift or a book to add to your own home library, The Ultimate Book of Mythical Creatures checks all the boxes for mythology and animal lovers, history buffs, art lovers, readers of classics and fantasy literature, and anyone who wants to know more about the world’s rich cultural influences. The book would also be a dynamic addition to any classroom or public library collection.

Ages 5+

Twirl Books, 2026 | ISBN 979-1027614561

About the Author

Aurore Meyer is a writer of games, documentaries, and workbooks for children and adults. She works near Bordeaux, France.

About the Illustrator

Gabrielle Berger launched her illustration career in 2018. She lives in Paris, France. Follow her on Instagram.

You can purchase The Ultimate Book of Mythical Creatures from these booksellers

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Picture Book Review

October 8 – World Space Week

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

First declared by the United Nations in 1999, World Space Week has grown to be the largest public space-related event in the world. The week is an international celebration of science and technology, and their contribution to the betterment of the human condition. This year’s theme is the Rocket Revolution and “celebrates how launch innovation has stimulated the rapidly-growing space economy and enabled new uses of space to help the world.” A stellar international line up of events is planned to commemorate this initiative in 100 countries. The week includes space education and outreach events held by space agencies, aerospace companies, schools, planetaria, museums, and astronomy clubs around the world. To learn more about the week, visit worldspaceweek.org.

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

Lost in Space! (Flip and Find)

By Ben Newman

Young space adventurers are about to blast into a galaxy of fun with Lost in Space! (Flip and Find), an interactive puzzle in a book! Assigned five missions comprising three phases each, kids are asked to put their skills of observation, critical thinking, and problem solving to the test. To get started, they need only to open the cover and pick up all the gear they’ll need—a die-cut card attached just inside. The card’s three windows provide an astonishingly varied view of the stars, planets, meteors, rockets, and even space beings they’ll encounter on their journey.

Children will have to use their smarts, coordination, powers of deduction, and just plain love of discovery to place the card on each game board, then flip and turn it this way and that until they match the visual challenges and complete each assignment: Cosmic Wonders, Hello, Space Beings!, So Many Stars!, Rocket Ruckus, and Mission Marvels.

Ben Newman’s stylized meteors, planets, stars, and other cosmic phenomenon as well as the silly space creatures who long to be sorted into teams and the rockets that need reconstructing will entice kids to enlist their inner aerospace engineer for entertaining and skill-building play.

With games in varying levels of difficulty and engaging graphics, Lost in Space! (Flip and Find) is a sturdy board book for kids of all ages. Even adults will enjoy trying their hand at these intriguing puzzles. There’s plenty of repeat play in each mission to make this book a favorite go-to at home, in the classroom, or at daycare centers. Lost in Space! (Flip and Find) is also a reliable take-along book for outings or any time waiting is expected.

Ages 3+

Twirl, 2026 | ISBN 978-2408061821

About the Author

Ben Newman is a freelance illustrator and lecturer who created the Professor Astro Cat children’s books. He lives in Hastings, UK. Visit him at bennewman.co.uk.

You can purchase Lost in Space! (Flip and Find) from these booksellers

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Picture Book Review

May 12 – National Share a Story Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

This month is all about sharing stories! Whether you’re regaling listeners with an anecdote from your own life or reading a picture book to kids, sharing stories is one of the best ways to connect with others, pass down experiences, and spark imaginations. The emotions shared while laughing or commiserating together while telling or listening, create bonds that uplift, teach, and lead to unforgettable memories. Today’s books offer moments of pure interactive delight shared with your youngest family members!

Thank you to Twirl and Barbara Fisch at Blue Slip Media for sending me a copy of these books for review!

Clickety Clack: Clack-Clack, Little Crab!

By Amy Blay

“Swish, swosh, swish, swosh . . . .” It’s a sleepy day at the ocean, but Little Crab is finished with its nap and wants to play. First Little Crab crosses the sand to find Little Snail. With a “clack-clack!” of its claws, Little Crab wakes up Snail, who’s happy to see its friend! Next—”splish, splash, splish . . . Little Crab scuttles across the tidepools to say hello to Little Starfish. Clack-Clack!” Star Fish opens its eyes and is surprised to see Little Crab! Little Crab is having so much fun! Who can Little Crab wake up next?

The youngest readers will love accompanying Little Crab as it visits friends to wake them up for playtime. By pulling the sturdy handle tab, kids help Little Crab clack-clack his claws and watch a variety of sea creatures open their eyes to greet their enthusiastic friend. On the final page—with a tug and an audible “wheeeeeee!”—readers join those friends and more in a game of hide-and-seek behind a giant coral.

Children will giggle in delight as they pull the tabs made just for them. Amy Blay’s bright colors, cheerful characters, and inviting ocean scenery will beckon kids to return to the beach over and over. Surprising sounds and the thrill of watching the pages change with just a tug make Clack-Clack, Little Crab! a perfect board book to share for quick read-aloud story times, tuck away in a take-along bag, or gift to young children for any occasion.

Ages: Baby – 4

Twirl, 2026 | ISBN 978-2408061807

About the Illustrator

Amy Blay has illustrated for design companies, toy manufacturers, publishers, and giftware companies. She lives in London, England. Visit her at amyblay.com and follow her on Instagram.

You can purchase Clickety Clack: Clack-Clack, Little Crab! from these booksellers

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Ultimate Discovery: T. Rex

By Raphaële Glaux | Illustrated by Amélie Falière

Take your youngest reader back to prehistoric times to meet a T. Rex, who’s proud to introduce the features that make it such a fierce dinosaur. This isn’t just a walk in the (Jurassic) park, though! Little ones get to interact with this favorite beast, even helping a baby T. Rex hatch from its egg with the pull of a tab!

Young readers learn about the T. Rex’s size, “skin covered with smooth, hard scales,” and his “huge jaw full of sharp teeth. ROAAARR!” Kids will be excited to open that enormous mouth and let out their own gigantic ROAAARR—and maybe another one, just for fun! The T. Rex also reveals that it is a carnivore and admits that “other dinosaurs are afraid of me!” Which ones are hiding from T. Rex now? A quick lift of the tab exposes them—then hides them again!

But watch out, T. Rex! A fearless Triceratops is charging your way, guided by a dino-loving reader! This Triceratops is sure to back up and charge again . . . back up and charge again! “The large frill on the head of the Triceratops makes it hard for me to bite it!” T. Rex explains. Who will win this battle?

Raphaële Glaux’s text, in which T. Rex speaks directly to readers, will charm young children while teaching them basic facts about this favorite dinosaur and its environment, comparing specifics like height and length to common objects that make it easy for children to visualize. Kids learn scientific terms as well as the names of several dinosaurs and other creatures from the period. Glaux’s final question will have little ones replaying the battle between T. Rex and Triceratops again and again.

Each page of this exciting dinosaur discovery book provides drama and education as a variety of identified dinosaurs, plant life, and volcanos appear in Amélie Falière’s vibrant illustrations. Kids will “Aww” over the baby T. Rex as they help it hatch from its egg. Later, as they look into the eyes of the full-grown T. Rex and feel it’s teeth, they’ll wonder how such a small dino could grow so large. The final encounter between T. Rex and Triceratops offers exciting action.

Ultimate Discovery: T. Rex is a sturdy, high-impact board book that will enchant the youngest readers and that adults will enjoy sharing with their children at home and away.

Ages: Baby – 4

Twirl, 2026 | ISBN 979-1027613885

About the Author

Raphaële Glaux writes and designs books for children and adults. A long-time editor who has many published titles, she lives in Nantes, France. Follow her on Instagram.

About the Illustrator

Amélie Falière grew up in the countryside of France, and has always been fascinated with nature and animals. Her colorful illustrations can be seen in many children’s publications. She lives in Paris, France. Follow her on Instagram.

You can purchase Ultimate Discovery: T. Rex from these booksellers

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March 25 – National Reading and March into Literacy Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

All month long, we celebrate reading—and writing! This focus on literacy spotlights the importance of reading with your children early—even from birth. Reading with your kids helps them develop language and writing skills that will promote future success in school and beyond. Even if your child isn’t talking yet, as you read to them they’re listening and learning about their language, how it sounds and looks on a page. The rich experience in today’s two board books, which combine reading, critical thinking, and fine motor skills, can get you and your little one started on a lifetime of learning.

Ready for Mazes: Baby Animal Mazes

By Susann Hoffmann

Little ones can’t get enough of baby animals! They squeal in delight when they see tiny ducks, bunnies, and other small animals and just want to pet or be near them. Baby Animal Mazes gives the youngest readers a hands-on chance to help baby animals navigate winding paths while avoiding obstacles to find their family, play games, and complete other fun challenges.

Each visually rich and adorable puzzle introduces a baby animal with a sweet storyline involving family, friends, or a favorite treat. But there’s a catch! In each maze, important parts of the path are missing. Here’s where young readers can help the baby animal cross the two-page spread to their goal by finishing the path. To do this, three sturdy, round disks printed with a section of path (straight-away, intersection, or curve) are provided on the first page. These fit snugly into circles where the path is broken. Children will have fun finding the right piece and how it fits to complete the path. A range of difficulty—from one missing piece to three—offers a challenge and increasing confidence.

Little readers will be enchanted with Susann Hoffmann’s vibrant and charming images of wildlife that are just waiting to be named, counted, or found in an impromptu “I-spy” game. Textured pages keep little fingers on the paths and offer a sensory experience while reading.

With just the right amount of challenge for little ones, plenty of repeat play and readability, and a large, durable format, Baby Animal Mazes will be a favorite go-to book on any young child’s bookshelf. The book makes a perfect take-along activity and gift.

Ages 2+

Twirl, 2026 | ISBN 978-2408061951

Susann Hoffmann is a freelance illustrator and animator. Her work can be seen in various digital media, books, and film. She lives in Hamburg, Germany. Visit her at susannhoffmann.com.

You can purchase Ready for Mazes: Baby Animal Mazes from these booksellers

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Where Are You, Baby?

By Elena Selena

Sweet endearments, loving looks, and cuddly togetherness makes this interactive board book a perfect companion for snuggly story times with your baby or young child. “Where are you, little one?” mother and father animals ask, and children will love lifting the intricately cut lion, hedgehog, parrot and other flaps to discover the babies underneath. “Here I am!” they eagerly answer. Lifting the babies’ flaps in this well-designed book bring them close to mom or dad so they can have fun exploring, flying, and more together.

Elena Selena infuses her bold, colorful illustrations with all the heart of parenthood, drawing the eyes of both adult and baby animals so that they are always looking at each other with affection and, in many, outstretched arms are ready for hugs.

Moms and dads will cherish sharing this book with their little ones. It’s sure to become a favorite for bedtime or playtime at home or for entertainment while out at the park, beach, or anywhere waiting is expected. Where Are You, Baby? would make a much-loved addition to home bookshelves as well as a gift for baby showers or new babies.

Ages Baby – 4

Twirl, 2026 | ISBN 979-1027613892

Born in Lithuania, Elena Selena initially trained at the Vilnius Academy of Arts before discovering her talent for making pop-up books at the École Estienne (ESAIG) in Paris. She now splits her time between illustration and pop-up projects, and conducts pop-up workshops for children as well. She lives in Paris, France. Visit her at elenaselena.com.

You can purchase Where Are You, Baby? from these booksellers

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March 12 – National Plant a Flower Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Spring is right around the corner and with it the beautiful blooms that color our yards, neighborhoods, and communities. In some places the flowers are already blossoming, while in others, people are eagerly waiting for the snow to melt. Whether you’re already planting or still looking forward to gardening, today’s book puts a creative and clever spin on nature that everyone in your family (or classroom) will really dig!

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

Big Brain Puzzles: Plant Pandemonium

By Camille Pichon

Kids can grow potted flowers, plant a garden, help worms wiggle and hide, and engage with other colorful flora and fauna with this one-0f-a-kind puzzle book! Children who love brain teasers, mazes, creating patterns, manipulating objects, and feeling the pride and satisfaction of completing a challenge will be awed by this beautifully illustrated book.

Each of the five plant-themed puzzles (Water Lily Carousel; Flutter, Flutter, Butterfly; Underground Paths; Plant Pandemonium; and Vegetable Jumble) are divided into three levels of difficulty and nine illustrated challenges to follow, resulting in 45 total games. Beyond these, kids can even devise new challenges for themselves or their friends to complete.

These hands-on puzzles will wow kids with their interactive elements that include wheels, moveable strips, sliding tiles, flaps that lift in multiple directions, and tokens that slide up, down, left, and right. While children work away on the possibilities, they’re continuously charmed by Camille Pichon’s bright, surprising, and quirky illustrations, in which adorable insects, snails, worms, and other creatures also appear to say “hi” along the way.

Far removed from one-and-done puzzles, Plant Pandemonium is a marvel of art and engineering that offers plenty of repeat play while immersing children in a rich environment that exercises their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, observation skills, fine motor dexterity, patience, and even memory.

Big Brain Puzzles: Plant Pandemonium will captivate puzzle lovers of all ages and would be a favorite go-to book on any home or classroom bookshelf. It would make a fantastic take-along book for car trips, outings, or anywhere waiting is expected. The book also makes a perfect gift for any puzzle lover.

Ages 6+

Twirl, 2026 | ISBN 978-2408061814

Camille Pichon is a graphic designer and paper engineer who specializes in children’s books. She lives in Paris, France. Visit her at camillepichon.com.

National Plant a Flower Day Activity

Flower Garden Stakes

It’s fun to start a garden from seeds, but how do you remember what you’ve planted where? With these easy to make garden stakes, you can mark your pots with style!

Supplies

Wide craft sticks
Chalkboard paint in various colors
Colorful chalk
Paint brush

Directions

Paint the stakes with the chalkboard paint, let dry
With the chalk, write the name of the different flowers or plants
After planting your seeds, stick the stake in the pot
Wait for your seeds to grow!

You can purchase Big Brain Puzzles: Plant Pandemonium from these booksellers

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Picture Book Review

November 24 – Picture Book Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

We’re still celebrating one of the best months of the year—Picture Book Month! If you’re starting your holiday shopping, don’t forget to add picture books to your list for the kids in your life. With so many picture books to choose from on all kinds of topics, there’s sure to be a perfect book for each child. You know what they say—and it’s really true: A book is a gift you can open again and again, and today’s book is loaded with interactive elements that will keep kids coming back again and again!

Thank you to Twirl and Barbara Fisch at Blue Slip Media for sending me a copy of this book for review!

The Ultimate Book of the Human Body

Written by Anne-Sophie Baumann | Illustrated by Vanessa Robidou

If you’re raising or know a child who’s a future medical professional or one who’s simply interested in learning all about health and anatomy, they’ll be enthralled with The Ultimate Book of the Human Body. Teachers and other educators will also find this book an impactful introduction to how the body works that students will love exploring.

Offering an astonishing amount of information on every page, this oversized book is an interactive marvel that engages children through short and detailed, yet easily understood paragraphs that analyze all parts of the body from the tiniest mole to the largest organ: the skin. More than 60 flaps, pull tabs, and tiny booklets take kids under the skin and inside the body with illustrations worthy of a medical textbook. There’s even an articulated skeleton that demonstrates how our joints work.

The book is broken into these eleven sections:

The Skeleton: Bones and More in which children learn about bone shapes; the makeup of bones; how bones heal; and information on the skull, spine, and joints. They can interact with a full-size hand that reveals all 27 bones that allow the fingers and wrists to move the way they do.

Skin and Muscles introduces kids to the layers of skin; how the skin heals and reacts to various types of bug bites; how impulses flow from our fingers to the brain; what a pimple and a mole are; what tanning is, and more. Children also get a full view of the muscles and how they work to show different emotions.

Lungs reveals why we need oxygen, why we cough, what asthma is, how our diaphragm works when we inhale and exhale, and how the voice is produced.

Heart and Blood covers the circulatory system, our pulse and blood pressure, how the heart works, all about blood, and even the fact that “an adult’s heart is about the size of a large apple.”

Seeing and Hearing contains information on the parts and working of the eyeball, vision issues, eye color, and more. The hearing section gives kids a look into the inner ear while also learning about sound frequency, earaches, balance, and hearing issues.

Smelling and Tasting talks about the mechanisms of smell, the inner nose, sneezing, the connection between the ear and the nose, the tongue, tasting, ear pain, and sore throats.

Biting and Chewing shows the development of teeth through various ages, and talks about parts of a tooth, cavities, braces, and caring for our teeth.

Eating and Drinking contains a wide range of topics and includes interactive elements that expose the workings of the urinary and digestive systems. Other topics include vitamins, foods, constipation, and appendicitis.

The Brain and the Nervous System is a comprehensive section that goes in-depth on how these intricate systems work and provides detailed illustrations on how the nerves run through the body as well as a pop-up, multilayered depiction of the brain that shows where in the brain our senses, memory, speech, and muscle control originate. You’ll find information on mysteries of the brain, brain disorders, and more.

Birth and Growing Up provides adults and children with a wealth of knowledge about the reproductive organs, how babies are made, how a sperm fertilizes an egg, the major stages of development from embryo to fetus by month, how twins develop, what a cell is, DNA, and highlights of growth and development from birth to adulthood.

Living Well discusses ways people can take care of themselves throughout their lives as well as disabilities, diabetes, Down syndrome, and the role of medical professionals, medications, inventions, and procedures that can help people live a better life.

Anne-Sophie Baumann engages her target audience of children ages 8 through 12 with intelligent writing that uses scientific terminology always followed up with an easily understood definition. She addresses her readers directly, drawing them into this extensive education on anatomy and physiology through discussions about the body’s makeup as well as by spotlighting particular issues of interest for her young readers, such as pimples and skin issues, changing voices, braces, and stages of growth and development.

Accompanying Baumann’s text are Vanessa Robidou‘s incredibly detailed, and in some cases life-sized illustrations. Through the wealth of interactive elements, Robidou invites children to peer inside bones; the ear, eye, and mouth; the skin; and the organs as well as to follow breath, food, blood, and even tears through their dedicated systems. Colorful and expressive, these illustration will wow kids as they support Baumann’s text in exciting ways that reinforce learning.

If you’re looking for a hands-on book about the workings of the human body to share with your child or student, The Ultimate Book of the Human Body is highly recommended and would make a fantastic gift for children interested in topics about anatomy and health.

Ages 8 – 12

Twirl, 2025 | ISBN 979-1027613649

About the Author

Anne-Sophie Baumann studied science and literature before becoming an editor and author. She lives hear Paris, France. You can find her on Instagram.

About the Illustrator

Vanessa Robidou‘s illustrations can be found in various media and in many children’s books. She lives in Rennes, France. You can see more of her work on Instagram.

Picture Book Month Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-x-ray-craft-dog-paw

Dog Paw and Human Hand X-Ray Craft

X-rays are cool to look at, but they always stay at the doctor’s office! With this craft you can simulate X-rays of a dog’s paw and a human hand!

Supplies

Printable skeleton templates: Human Hand Template | Dog Paw Template
Black chalkboard drawing paper, 8 ½ inches by 11 inches
White colored pencil
White chalk
Clear Plastic Report Sheet Protectors

Directions

Print the Human Hand and Dog Paw Templates (you may want to print two—one to cut and one to follow when transferring the bones to the black paper)
Cut the bones apart
Lay the bones on the black chalkboard paper
Trace the bones with the white colored pencil
Color in the bones with the white chalk
Slip the black paper into the plastic report sheet protector

You can purchase The Ultimate Book of the Human Body from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

September 15 – Agatha Christie’s Birthday

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

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!

Elements of a Mystery Word Search Puzzle | Word Search Puzzle Answers

You can purchase The Agatha Case Files: Welcome to Kittyville from these booksellers:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

About the Holiday

The Ultimate Book of Mythical Creatures

Written by Aurore Meyer | Illustrated by Gabrielle Berger

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About the Holiday

Lost in Space! (Flip and Find)

By Ben Newman

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About the Holiday

Clickety Clack: Clack-Clack, Little Crab!

By Amy Blay

Ultimate Discovery: T. Rex

By Raphaële Glaux | Illustrated by Amélie Falière

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About the Holiday

Ready for Mazes: Baby Animal Mazes

By Susann Hoffmann

Where Are You, Baby?

By Elena Selena

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About the Holiday

Big Brain Puzzles: Plant Pandemonium

By Camille Pichon

National Plant a Flower Day Activity

Flower Garden Stakes

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About the Holiday

The Ultimate Book of the Human Body

Written by Anne-Sophie Baumann | Illustrated by Vanessa Robidou

Picture Book Month Activity

Dog Paw and Human Hand X-Ray Craft

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About the Holiday

The Agatha Case Files: Welcome to Kittyville

Written by Paul Martin | Illustrated by Camille Roy

Agatha Christie’s Birthday Activity

Elements of a Mystery Word Search Puzzle

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