(Photo by Rawley with permission of the author; use with permission only, please)

Good morning, friends and readers! Have fun reading the reviews (mostly kid and young adult books), leave a comment if you’d like, and please follow me on:

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Bon appetit and have a lovely day.

WM

Photo by Nancy Ellen Row Rawley/use with permission only, please

Hello, dear readers. Fast and furious here with a little round-up of everything that’s on my coffee table this week, aka all of the books I’ve started/finished/or am trying to finish in between phone calls, taking care of the dog/cats/chickens/house/appointments/work. (Priorities!)

Busy woman here, but lately (especially lately) reading needs to take precedence. Yes? Yes.

Disclaimer. Love you. Bon appetit and bye! WM

“When You’re Brave Enough,” by Rebecca Bendheim, is at the top of the stack. First, the cover is nice. Cheerful, glowing, warm, and it drew me in, I love it. The story and characters do not disappoint (theater kids, baked goods, cool settings). This is an enjoyable young adult novel (for ages 10 and older) about love, coming out, friendships and all the intricacies of being a young person. Lacey has moved from Austin, Texas, to Rhode Island, leaving her best bud Grace behind. But new adventures await. A little bit of culture shock, a little bit of sadness at all the changes. This book tugs at the heartstrings, I’m a fan. (Viking Books for Young Readers/Penguin Random House, 2026, 298 pages, $18.99.)

You’ll find another lively read in “A Practical Guide to Dating a Demon” (Written by Hannah Reynolds, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, 2026, 339 pages, $12.99.) Meet Naomi, a smart, lovely, creative scholarship student at the magical Lyceum. Wants to focus on her students. Bugged by the male students and comes up with… Sorry, guys! Dating a demon. Oh, this is going to be fun.

Found a beautiful, sacred and thoughtful new picture book in “Stories are the Heart of the World” (Simon & Schuster; scheduled for release May 5, 2026; 40 pages; all ages; $19.99). Laurel Goodluck wrote the coming-of-age story, which weaves together several stories that are based on historical events). Goodluck draws from the traditions of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Navajo/Diné tribes. Goodluck is from intertribal roots as an enrolled member of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, and is also an Alaskan Native Citizen of the Tsimshian tribe. The bright and detailed illustrations, which reveal more the more a reader looks at them, are from Nicole Neidhart, who is a Diné (Navajo) multidisciplinary artist. Just a deep, rich book that readers are sure to enjoy.

Switch up for the toddlers: Jonny Lambert’s “Bear and Bird: Find a Footprint,” is a sweet new search-and-find adventure. (D.K. Penguin Random House, 2023, ages birth-4, $15.) Look for the pawprints, forest creatures, nature facts and more. Reminds me of Eric Carle, the kids will love the animals and the details.

And… how about a cookbook for the big kids? I’m ready to dig into this one because hello, copycat recipes are my jam. So to speak. Kelly Jaggers delivers with “Secret Sauce: 200 Copycat Recipes to Re-Create Your Favorite Restaurant Sauces, Dips, and Dressings.” (Adams Media/Simon & Schuster, 2025, 272 pages, $17.00) So welcome, welcome, Chipotle Roasted Chili-Corn Salsa, Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Benihana Mustard Sauce and 197 others, thank you, thank you. Look for Jaggers’ food blog at Evil Shenanigans.com

Last but not least:

Looking forward to author Tracy Wolff’s fantasy/Greek mythology/magical tale, “The Aftermyth” (Aladdin/Simon & Schuster, 2026, ages 8 and older, $18.99). Penelope Weaver and her twin, Paris, head to Anaximander’s Academy, where they hope to explore and bring to life Greek mythology.

“Heiress of Nowhere” is a new historical gothic mystery from Stacey Lee. An orphan, Lucy Nowhere (great name) inherits an estate on Orcas Island, circa 1918; becomes vulnerable; and works to find the killer of local seals… and her former employer. Wild ride, this one. (Sarah Barley Books, 2026, ages 12 and older, $19.99.)

Bon appetit, see you next time, have a great weekend, love you all.

WM

A disclaimer. And some reviews.

Photo by Nancy Ellen Rawley. Use with permission only, por favor.

We were talking last time about books where kids can learn about money, start their own businesses, allow their parents to retire early… and yay! Found another one:

• Amina Banana and the Formula for Making Money, from author Shifa Saltagi Safadi, is an engaging, easy read for kids age 6 and up, and they can learn a few financial tricks along the way. The illustrations are by Aaliya Jaleel. Amina’s family is struggling financially, and she decides to help. This is the third in the series of Amina books. (G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, 2026, 128 pages, $6.99.)
• The Worst! series, by Alex Willan, continues with his newest title, “Valentines are the Worst.” I’m sorry I missed the holiday on this one, btw, it’s an awesome book. Buy it as a belated gift, an anytime gift, or buy it now and save it until next year. The cover, bedazzled with cupids, Gilbert the Goblin, and a sprinkling of hearts, is bright and hilarious, and the story, like Willan’s other reads, is so much fun. Cupids, says Gilbert, “They’re all, ‘Look at me, I have perfect hair and tiny wings and beautiful hair and magic love arrows and luxurious hair.’ Well, I say, NO THANK… YOU.” LOL, Gilbert, let’s be friends. (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2025, all ages, $19.99.)
• Author/illustrator Gianna Marino’s latest picture book, “We All Belong,” will be released later this month. Mule, Rabbit, Beaver, Bear and their friends celebrate their similarities and differences in this sweet story. The illustrations are so detailed and real that the reader can almost reach into the pages and pet the characters. (Philomel; March 24, 2026; all ages; $18.99.) Be sure to check out Marino’s other books as well, including “Night Animals.”
• Also look for the “Ordinary People Change the World Series.” Gymnast Simone Biles is the latest person to be profiled in this inspiring biography. Brad Meltzer wrote the story; Christopher Eliopoulos did the bright and lively illustrations. (Rocky Pond Books, 2026, $16.99.)
• Woo-hoo! Here’s a fun one: “Bookie & Cookie Turn the Page,” by Blanca Gómez. (Rocky Pond Books/Penguin Random House, 2026, ages baby-5, $18.99.) “Maybe we’ll find a bright sunny day!” I loved the cheerful, happy illustrations.
• Would you believe it if I told you that an author named A.B. Peele wrote a book titled “Go Bananas!” Cuz it’s the truth, lol. Big, goofy, hilarious illustrations by Lala Watkins. (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers; March 24, 2026; all ages, $19.99.) “Bananas of the world unite!”
• This one won’t be released until May, but I’m calling it a classic right now. “Notre-Dame: The World’s Cathedral” is a stunning work of art and historical document by author Lynn Curlee. He was schooled in art history and employed as a fine artist before he started his career as an author/illustrator. This is part of the Wonders of the World series, so look for the other titles, which include “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World,” “Brooklyn Bridge,” “Mythological Creatures” and many others.

All for now! Leave a comment if you’d like, bon appetit, and see you soon.

xo

WM

(Solar eclipse, 2017, photo by moi. Use with permission only, por favor.)

I’m playing a new game today. It’s called, Let’s Review All the Books in This Huge Pile on the Table. ? Listo? I’m ready.

First up, a disclaimer. Second, books!

• A super cute and yummy board book is top of the heap, and it’s about… sheep. So I’m thinking it’s a bedtime book. Let’s see… “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sheepy,” by Lucy Ruth Cummins, with illustrations by Pete Oswald and yes, it’s “A Sleepy Sheepy Story.” OK, that’s adorable. (Flamingo Books; scheduled for release 2/17/2026, ages baby-3; $9.99.) Little Sheepy would rather pogo through the house, read in bed, bug the parents, anything other than sleep. So the parents get creative.
• “Adventures in the Friendly Forest,” by Amanda Jass, with pictures by Katya Longhi, is a 30-day storybook devotional for kids, and is a way to teach the little and bigger kids about faith. “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path,” Psalm 119:105, for example, introduces the chapter on “Flora and the Wheelbarrow Disaster.” This is a bright and cheerful book of inspiration. (WaterBrook/Random House Children’s Books; scheduled for release 2/10/2026, ages baby and up, 140 pages, $15.99.)
• “One for the Dogs,” a new title from the “Startup Squad,” is a cool graphic novel for kids ages 8 and older. Preteens and teens who are interested in going into business for themselves, or with partners, will find it a good read. It contains lots of tips, info and fun. Brian Weisfeld and Bonnie Bader wrote the story, with colorful and creative comic art from Nadia Hsieh. Readers will feel like they really get to know the characters, Teresa (Resa), Indira (Didi), Amelia, Harriet and Resa’s awesome Abuela, herself a business owner in Brooklyn. Lively, engaging read. (Harold Martin Company, 2026, 171 pages, $22.99.)
• You’ll find more bright, gorgeous art in the new picture book, “Leo’s Lobo.” This one is written by Hispanic marine biologist Melissa Cristina Márquez, who based the story on a Mexican tale about alebrijes, wild and fun, gloriously fantastical creatures. Brazilian illustrator Maria Gabriela Gama truly makes the characters come alive. (They’re often made from wood, papier-mâché, or other materials, but the ones in this book? All too alive and real.) Enjoy! (Penguin Workshop/Penguin Random House, scheduled for release 2/10/2026, all ages, $19.99.)
• And now for the big kids… If you’re a fan of the show “Supernatural,” and I know I am, you’ll like Melanie Dale’s new middle grade/high school and up novel, “Girl of Lore.” Scary, creepy, ingenious and it’s so good. (Aladdin Books; scheduled for release 2/21/2026; says 10 and up but it depends on the 10-year-old, I suppose.) Dark magic/dark creatures/paranormal happenings are all on the rise in London, Georgia, and Mina, our hero, seems to be smack dab in the middle of it. OK, don’t scare yourself, y’all.
• Celesta Rimington’s new middle-grade book is so good, and not quite as scary as “Girl of Lore.” “Reach” introduces us to Denver, who is almost 13. His mom has recently remarried, and yeah, plans have changed. Denver was hoping for a fun summer but instead? He’s stuck at a mountain lodge all the way to here and gone, taking care of his younger brother(step), Harlan, while his mom and new dad work. All I can say is the reality of our world today makes me long for a trip. A journey far, far away, and the mountains would be fine. Just saying, Denver. Wait. The white pines at this lodge can talk? And Harlan is maybe going to get turned into a tree? That’s not the vacation I’d be hoping for, either, dude. Creative and fun writing, and good characters. (Nancy Paulsen Books, 2026, ages 10 and up, $17.99.)
• Ying Ping Low’s “Song of the Yellow Dragon” won’t hit the shelves until this May, but please add it to your list. (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, ages 5th grade and up, with art by Yujie Huang.) Like Denver, our hero, in this case two heroes, are on the verge of turning 13. Mengayo has dreams of becoming a Divine Healer, and is trying to hang onto hope. Kai, a young emperor, is in hiding, trying to avoid death. This is a story that grabs you from page one and takes you along for the ride.

Be well, bon appetit and have a really good weekend whenever you get there.

xo

WM

Photo by Nancy Rawley/use with permission only, please and thank you I really do love books, can you tell? I’ve been writing reviews here for years now. It’s kind of funny, the years and books just keep rolling along. More coffee, please. Presenting… more new releases, just in time for the winter holidays. All of the books included in this post were sent to me free for review purposes. Disclaimer here. Thank you for reading and see you next time! WM

1. 1. Simon & Schuster Kids has come out with a cool paperback collection of Christmas books for kids. The covers are engaging, the art jumps off the front. And the stories inside are as good as ever. Classic, really. (Smiles.) It’s like I used to tell my students, “You don’t have to love books as much as I do, that’d be weird. But if you love them even half as much as I do? That would be enough.” Srsly these kids don’t want to read. Maybe they’ll be won over by this new “vintage” set that includes “The Nutcracker,” “A Christmas Carol” and “Twelve Classics of Christmas,” including works by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the Brothers Grimm and other writers. Happy gift-giving, folks. Think inside the box. (2025, ages 8 and up, $7.99 per title.)

1. 1. My early Christmas gift arrived in the shape of the 100th anniversary edition of A.A. Milne’s “Winnie the Pooh and the House at Pooh Corner.” I can’t find this exact version online, I’m sure you will, though. So that’s a link to a super cute Piglet and Pooh “rain puddle print” umbrella that you may like. (I’m all, hey, Wacky Mommy is a gift guide now.) The cover is beautiful, yellow and black, soft and fuzzy like Pooh. I’m in love with this edition, it’s perfect. It was originally released in 1926, followed by the release of “The House at Pooh Corner” in 1928. This book contains both titles, with original artwork by Ernest H. Shepard. His line drawings contain so much detail and warmth. (Aladdin, all ages, 361 pages, $10.99.)

1. 1. “Keeping the Light: A Story About Letting Your Light Shine,” is a new book from Ali Gilkeson, with lively and bright pictures by Lee Wildish. I like this little guy, Fynn, he makes the day happier. “He lives with his family in a lighthouse by the sea. (I mean, all lighthouses are by the sea or near a body of water. I’ve never seen a lighthouse in the middle of a city or at the end of a cul-de-sac. Have you?” the author begins.) And a fine story it is. (Waterbrook/Multnomah/Penguin Random House, ages 3 and up, $14.99.) (I reviewed Gilkeson’s last title, “My Lighthouse: A Story of Finding Your Way Home,” last year.)

1. 1. And now for “Little Monsters,” a playful spoof by Maire Roche, wherein the March sisters from Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women” became, yep. Monsters. Not sure how I feel about this twist, but I know the kids will get a kick out of it, so there you go. It’s not scheduled for release until next summer, so we have some time to puzzle it over. Oh-ho! Roche’s other new title, “Bromantasy,” a “cozy, queer fantasy” about young people and love, is scheduled to hit the shelves in May. Ahhhhh… this is a whimsical, creative author. Thanks, Maire. (Aladdin Books/Simon & Schuster.)

1. 1. Speaking of monsters and magic… (see how nicely I segued there?) “A Mastery of Monsters,” by Liselle Sambury, is out now. This is the first book in what’s being described as a “dark academia fantasy series” for teens. August’s mother has gone missing, and now her brother, right before his sophomore year. She knows something is wrong and vows to find the truth and save her family. Great read. (Margaret M. McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster, 2025, high school and older, 580 pages, $24.99.) Sambury is a Trinidadian Canadian author whose works covers a lot of genres, including fantasy, horro and sci-fi. Rock it.

“Whitaker Ponds, Portland, Ore.” Photo by Rawley, use with permission only, please.

Hey, I was thinking about ways to get kids reading. Then I decided I needed to clean house and never got back to it. Then I made a cup of tea, gulped it down and didn’t get back to it. Then I worked on the leaves in the yard (there are a lot) and… you get the idea. I’ll do practically anything to avoid writing, avoid thinking, avoid doing something I don’t know how to do. Kids and their grown-ups are just not reading as much as they used to.

It’s a challenge, ya? Ya. How to encourage others to read is a huge challenge. So here I am, listening to old Elton John songs from the ’70s and thinking about music, reading and writing. If you have kids, your own, someone else’s children, students, whoever, model for them. Put on some music and pick up a book, instead of staring, eyes glazed over, at your television, your laptop (that’s me, right now), a tablet, or that little computer you call a phone. Don’t put on YouTube, just please skip the reels and the videos, and read a book. Turn off the news and read to the old folks, read to the young folks, buy books and more books for the babies and toddlers, spread those titles around like they’re sprinkles on ice cream.

I think what I’m actually trying to avoid here is the bigger world, or as we called it in school: Current Events.

Let’s have a great fall and winter, in spite of it all. These are not the easiest times in the world, anywhere on Earth. “Oh, he’s my brother/let us live in peace…” — “Border Song,” Elton John

So peace, love, and Bobby Sherman, and Elton, of course, xo WM

All of the books included in this post were sent to me free for review purposes. Disclaimer here. Thank you for reading and see you next time!

1. Baby Ballena, hello friend! This new picture book swims up courtesy of author Ben Gundersheimer (Mr. G) and illustrator/illustrado por Marcos Almada Rivero. (Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin Random House, 2025, $18.99.) To be a baby gray whale (my favorite of all the whales), born as big as a boat and drinking more than 50 gallons of mama’s milk daily. But the many dangers Juana, our hero, faces traveling north and south and north again with her pod. So many hazards. They go between Mexico and Alaska, dealing with fishing nets, vessels, orcas and other threats. This is a beautiful, educational read-aloud for all ages, really, with text in Spanish and English. The illustrations are precious, and so are my grays. Safe travels, family.

2. You don’t need words to show you love someone is the theme of “My Dog Smudge,” a sweet new picture book from author/illustrator Sujean Rim, and dedicated “to the real-life Smudge.” Aw. (Caitlin Dlouhy Books, 2025, ages 4-8, $18.99.) There are flaps! Flap books are excellent. And a page of chickens for me. Chickens are excellent, too! Fun way to practice “speaking like the animals” with the kids. Enjoy.

3. “Cocodrilos Por Todos Lados/Crocodiles Everywhere” is another great Spanish-English picture book for young readers. Estelí Meza did a beautiful job with the art and words for this one. (Rocky Pond Books/Penguin Random House, 2025, $18.99.) A young girl’s best friend moves away, and we know that sometimes imaginary friends find their way to kids who are struggling. But crocodiles? “The crocodiles arrived so quietly, I didn’t even notice at first.” And that, dear readers, is what we call a “perfect sentence.” Crocodiles as imaginary friends, and the art is perfect, too. Great title for helping kids with grief and problem-solving.

4. Are you a fan of visiting the doctor, the clinic or the hospital? How about your kids? It is not, to be honest, one of my favorite things. But you gotta do what you gotta do, eh? “What Medicine Can Do” is a great how-to picture book from author Gabrielle Balkan and illustrator Alberto Lot. (RISE x Penguin Workshop, 2025, all ages, $19.99.) It explains “symptoms,” “diagnoses,” “vital signs,” “medicine” and all kinds of other terms. Handy book, with kid-friendly descriptions.

5. And now… a great little new board book version of an Eric Carle classic: “The Very Lonely Firefly/La luciérnaga muy solitaria.” “As the sun set a little firefly was born. It stretched its wings and flew off into the darkening sky.” Lovely, happy story and in Spanish and English, both. Perfecto. (Penguin Random House, 2025, ages newborn and up, $11.99.)

(“Whitaker Ponds, close-up of a tree,” fall 2006; photo by Steve Rawley, use with permission only)

I’ve been collecting some cool new kids’ books for autumn. Let’s review a few, shall we?

1. First, an oldie but goodie: “The Witches,” by my man Roald Dahl, with art by the incomparable Quentin Blake. A keeper of a chapter book, and perfect for the season. (Originally published 1983, set in Norway and England.)
2. “The Snowman Code,” by Simon Stephenson, with art by Reggie Brown. This book has nothing to do with fall, or the winter, even. It’s more of a spring/summer book, so I’m putting it in the “all seasons” category. I’m in love with this chapter book for young readers. It’s about an ambitious little girl, Blessing, age 10 1/2, whose mother suffers from severe seasonal depression. Is winter ever going to lift? Can the snowmen help, or will they hinder? Love, too, that it’s set in London. (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers; scheduled for release Dec. 16, 2025; ages 8 and up; $17.99.)
3. Helloooooo, “Narwhal Vs. Kindergarten,” we are ready. Vanessa Roeder wrote and illustrated this sweet and perfect picture book about Hugo, a big and tall guy who is trying so hard to fit in. (Dial Books for Young Readers, 2025, ages 2 and up, $18.99.) Read Roeder’s other books, too: “The King Penguin,” “The Box Turtle” and “The Stack.”
4. And a fun one, the latest in the Oona series… “Oona Bramblegoop’s Sideways Magic: When Fairies Go Too Far,” written by Kate Korsh, with illustrations by Marta Altés. (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2025, ages 6 and up, 138 pages, $17.99.) Get ready for more light-hearted times with Oona and her friends.
5. Diana López has written the third title in her popular Los Monstruos series: “Ava and the Owl-Witch” (Kokila/Penguin Random House, 2025, ages 8 and up, 242 pages, $17.99). Tres Leches is a South Texas town with a history of terrifying monsters. But Minerva, aka La Lechuza, is there, too, and she’s a shape-shifter. Her daughter, Ava, is struggling with her own battles, but is willing to step in to help. Great Mexican folklore, magic and drama. (López has a great list of books to her credit, and many are available in both Spanish and English.)

All of the books included in this post were sent to me free for review purposes. Disclaimer here. Thank you for reading and see you next time!

WM

(“Whitaker Ponds/Portland, Ore.”/ Photo by Rawley/ use with permission only, please) You know, all of a sudden it’s fall, and the long, hot summer is over. It wasn’t the best summer here. It wasn’t the worst. But I miss those long, hot summers from when I was a kid. Fall books make it all better.

• “America Gives Thanks” is a new picture book from author Bob McKinnon, with lovely illustrations from artist Thai My Phuong. (Penguin Workshop/Penguin Random House, 2025, all ages, $19.99.) This book made me smile because it starts out: “Have you ever wondered why people complain so much?” I just did complain, but dang it, it was a long, hot, pretty miserable summer here in the Willamette Valley on the West Coast of America. I don’t wanna talk about it, I’m over it. Back to the book… Mr. Downs is taking his class to Washington, D.C. on an East Coast school field trip, and some of the kids are not excited. Statues? Paintings? Politicians fighting? So let’s see how this goes. Great story, beautiful autumn colors, and the students? They actually learn a lot along the way. And so do we.
• “Pablo Neruda: Poet of the People,” by Monica Brown, with illustrations by Julie Paschkis (Henry Holt and Company, 2011, all ages, $17.99). I love this picture book, and I love poetry. Very fond of Neruda. It’s always fun to find a new way to introduce this form of writing to children young and old. “Once there was a little boy named Neftalí, who loved wild things wildly and quiet things quietly,” our story begins. He lived in Chile, and when he hit his teens, changed his name to Pablo Neruda and began publishing his poems. (His full given name was Ricardo Eliecer Neftalí Reyes Basoalto, and he was born in Parral, Chile, in 1904.) Awesome biography, glad I came across it. Highly recommend. Great list of resources in the back of the book, for further reading.
• “The Sacred Stone Camp” is another picture book for all ages that I think you’ll enjoy. Rae Rose wrote this profile of indigenous activist and historian LaDonna BraveBull Allard, her family and the Standing Rock Lakota Nation. Aly McKnight illustrated with colorful and detailed drawings that bring the story to life. (Dial Books for Young Readers; scheduled for release Oct. 7, 2025; $18.99.)

My pick of the week is: “The Sacred Stone Camp.”

All of the books included in this post were sent to me free for review purposes. Disclaimer here. Thank you for reading and see you next time!

WM

(“Whitaker Ponds,” photo by Rawley/use with permission only, please)

• “Aggie and the Ghost,” written and illustrated by Matthew Forsythe, introduces us to the story of Aggie, who is brand-new at living on her own. She’s thrilled about it — until she realizes that her new place is haunted, and the ghost wants to hang out with her everywhere she goes. The art, oh, yes, the art, is gorgeous and unique, in soft watercolors with gouache, and colored pencil. This comment has nothing to do with the story, but the illustrations on the endpapers (at the front and back of book) would make awesome tattoos. So if you’re of age, and interested in some new designs, check it out. (Beach Lane Books, A Paula Wiseman Title/Simon & Schuster; scheduled for release Aug. 19, 2025; ages 4 and up; $19.99.)
• Oh, helloooooo, “Zombees”! Justin Colón, writer, and Kaly Quarles, illustrator, have brought us a fun, goofy, rhyming picture book that will “chill spines while mainly tickling funny bones.” That’s a great description to reassure the parents who may be concerned about introducing “zombies,” (not the same as zombees) to their preschool/early grade kids. (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2025, ages 4 and up, $19.99.) Kinda love this one.
• “Creepy Sheepy” is a fine, funny picture book from Lucy Ruth Cummins (author) and Pete Oswald (illustrator). I like the size of this book, it’s not as large as some of the bigger picture books, and just the right size for littles to practice turning the pages themselves. “A few fearsome pirates, a Dracula or two, a handful of zombies, and a Frankenstein crew…” Good rhymes, and sweet, cartoony drawings. (Flamingo Books/Penguin Random House, 2025, ages 3 and up, $14.99.)
• “This Year, a Witch!” is from Portland, Oregon!! illustrator and author Zoey Abbott. Super creative book about a little witch, the best-laid plans, and what to do when changes happen. Check out Abbott’s other titles: “Banana,” “Clementine and the Lion,” “Pig and Horse and the Something Scary” and other books. (A Caitlyn Dlouhy Book/Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2025, ages 4 and up, $19.99.)
• “Ha Ha Halloween” is a new, colorful and happy flap book/interactive boardbook for the babies and toddlers ages 1 and up. (Grosset & Dunlap/Penguin Young Readers, 2025, all ages, $10.99.) This one is my pick of the week because… It’s also a joke book. Ha! “What is a ghost’s favorite treat? Everything! It’s all boo-licious!” Hahahaha. Enjoy. Bon appetit, babies.

Yes, we are celebrating Halloween early, for no good reason other than the best reason: A big stack of holiday books arrived in the past few weeks, and I’m here to share the recommendations. All of the books included in this post were sent to me free for review purposes. Disclaimer here. Thank you, have a happy, haunted, early Halloween, and see you next time!

WM

(“Beach, Carlsbad, California; photo by Rawley/please use with permission only)

“Ablaze: The Story of America’s First Female Smokejumper,” written by Jessica Lawson, with art by Sarah Gonzales, is an inspiring biography about Deanne Shulman, America’s first female smokejumper. (Viking/Penguin Random House, 2025, ages 4 and older, $18.99.) Gonzales created the art for this picture book using watercolor paints, gouache, colored pencils, and pastels, and edited it digitally. For more information, check the National Fire Protection Association website.

“Menudo Sunday: A Spanglish Counting Book” is a great, new picture book for young readers. María Dolores Águila wrote the funny, bouncy story, which has happy and colorful illustrations by Erika Meza. (Dial Books for Young Readers/Penguin Random House; scheduled for release Aug. 5, 2025; ages 3 and up; 40 pages; $18.99.) I especially liked the author’s note in the back, describing her childhood and her family’s love of menudo, which is made of tripe and hominy. “Making menudo is a labor-intensive process,” she writes, “Families often work together to cook menudo, passing down recipes and stories.”

“Are You a Friend of Dorothy? The True Story of an Imaginary Woman and the Real People She Helped,” words by Kyle Lukoff, art by Levi Hastings (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2025, all ages, $19.99). A resounding “yes” and “heck yes” for this long-overdue title that will help readers understand the history of homophobia, legal issues, and the fight for equal rights for LGBTQ citizens. This is the coolest book, and is my pick of the week.

• “Papa’s Coming Home,” by Chasten Buttigieg is just the sweetest, happiest book. We meet Jojo and Rosie, who are waiting for their Papa to come home. With their help of their Daddy, who has been taking care of the family while Papa has been away on his trip. I love the 1950s-1960s style illustrations by Dan Taylor, they’re perfect. (Philomel/Penguin Random House, 2025, all ages, $19.99.) Chasten and his husband, Pete, live in Michigan with their two kids and their rescue puppy.

Disclaimer: All of the books included in today’s post were sent to me free for review purposes. Disclaimer here. All for now and see you next time!

WM

(“Local Hero,” photo by Nancy Ellen Row Rawley/use with permission only, please)

Good afternoon, cats and kittens! Are you ready for some book reviews? First up:

• Poor Joan. She’s stuck in the cone of shame, the darling. “Joan in the Cone” (Dial Books for Young Readers, 2025, ages 3-7, $18.99) is a sweet, playful, rhyming picture book from Billy Sharff, author, and Hala Tahboub, illustrator. It’s scheduled for release July 15, 2025, and is super cute, friends. The art is great. Puppy! It will be OK! Our hero Joan is a star.

• “It Simply Can’t Be Bedtime” is a new picture book from Pamela Paul, writer, and Steven Salerno, illustrator. The team did an excellent job with the story and art of a little girl, her favorite stuffie, Lady Pigsworth, and her drive to avoid bed and get her stuff done! (G.P. Putnam’s Sons/Penguin Random House, 2025, all ages, $18.99.) Just a cool book, and the art brings the story to life.

• “Mustafa’s Mithai” will probably make you hungry, hungry, hungry for sweets, so be ready! Sana Rafi wrote this delectable story, and Nabi H. Ali provided the detailed, bright and happy drawings. (Viking Books for Young Readers, 2025, all ages, $18.99.) There is probably no one who loves mithai (sweet treats) more than Mustafa. But Baba’s birthday is over, it’s not Eid, his Nani and Nanu already visited, and he can’t come up with more reasons for yummy surprises. Can his friends help? Great way for readers to learn about South Asia culture and traditions.

• “Ruby René Gets Her Way” is the sequel to the delightful “Ruby René Had So Much to Say,” by author Ashley Iman, with illustrations by Gladys Jose. (Kokila/Penguin Young Readers, 2025, ages 4 and up, $18.99.) She’s the funniest and cutest kid, little Ruby René. When we last saw her, she was learning new ways to not… blurt. Let’s just say it. And I’ll admit it, I blurt/interrupt/talk over people, um, occasionally? So this book hit home for me, ouch. But we, all of us, need to be allowed to express ourselves, am I right? Yes. Ruby learns a little more about sharing and working with others in this thoughtful and educational picture book.

• “Amina Banana and the Formula for Friendship” and “Amina Banana and the Formula for Winning” are titles one and two, respectively, in a cool new chapter book series, illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel. Author Shifa Saltagi Safadi did a great job with our third-grade hero, who has recently moved from Syria to Indiana. Little bit of culture shock. Good stories, and a thoughtful way of introducing kids to the topic of immigration, STEM, missing old friends, meeting new friends, and fresh starts. (Penguin Young Readers, 2025, ages 6 and up, $6.99.)

• “Threat of the Spider,” is the second title in “The Web of the Spider” series, by writer Michael P. Spradlin. (Margaret K. McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster, 2025, ages 8 and up, 159 pages, $7.99.) The books, set in Germany, while Nazism is on the rise at the beginning of World War II, introduces us to Ansel. His father, a journalist who opposes the regime, is kidnapped and Ansel and his friends unite to find him. A timeline and glossary in the back of the book will be helpful to readers.

• “This Book Might Be About Zinnia” is an intriguing new novel from author Brittney Morris. Zinnia Davis, an adoptee, is trying to write a thoughtful essay for college entry, and is gifted a book about a girl with a heart-shaped birthmark on her forehead, separated from her mother at birth, and that is exactly like Zinnia. The author deftly handles the weaving of the chapters, back and forth between perspectives, and time (modern day and 2006), to give readers a complex and emotional story. (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2025, ages 12 and up, 340 pages, $19.99.)

The pick of the week is… “It Simply Can’t Be Bedtime,” because it’s a sweet and funny picture book about love, family, and the challenges of sleep, sleep, beautiful sleep. Really adore this one.

Disclaimer: All of the books included in today’s post were sent to me free for review purposes. Disclaimer here. All for now and see you next time!

WM