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

Good morning, friends and enemies! Kidding. We’ve been having some technical difficulties lately, please buckle your seatbelt and hang on for the ride. No enemies in the house, go somewhere else, please, if you wanna fight. 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

(“fresh up”/photo by Rawley, use with permission only, please)

Graphic novels are still on the radar and going strong, and that is a great thing. The art and stories and pretty cool, and they’re engaging. The series can grab big money as collector items, too. “Cassi and the House of Memories,” from artist/writer Dean Stuart, is a deep, thoughtful book about Cassi and her relationship with her Grandpa Charlie, who is struggling with his memory. Hard topic, great handling of it. I appreciate this book, which is Stuart’s debut graphic novel. (Viking/Penguin Random House, 2025, ages 8 and up, $14.99.)

(“Gleneden Beach, Oregon coast”; photo by Rawley/use with permission only, please)

• “This Moment is Special: A Día de Muertos Story,” a new children’s picture book written and illustrated by John Parra, is a great way to introduce kids and others to a special holiday that means so much to so many. The book is in both Spanish and English, and the illustrations are bright and playful. (Beach Lane Books/A Paula Wiseman Title; scheduled for release July 15, 2025; all ages; $19.99.)
• “Living Bridges: The Hidden World of India’s Woven Trees,” poses the question: How would you get around in your village, in the mountains, if there was no ease of transport? Especially during monsoon season? In the state of Meghalaya (northeastern India) the community comes together, and has for centuries now, to use rubber ficus trees to make Jingkieng Jri, aka Living Root Bridges. Author Sandhya Acharya and illustrator Avani Dwivedi have done a thoughtful job with this picture book of introducing readers to the twisting, braiding and tying, along with the science and care, that goes into building these magnificent structures. (A Paula Wiseman Book/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2025, ages 4 and up, $19.99.)
• “Always Be My Bibi,” a new young adult romance, introduces us to Bibi Hossain, who is not spending the summer working at her family’s fried chicken joint, after all. Instead, she’s traveling from Paterson, New Jersey, to Bangladesh for her big sister Halima’s surprise! wedding at the bridegroom’s family’s tea estate. This trip could get interesting! (Salaam Reads, ages 7th grade and up, 356 pages, $19.99.)
• Christine Virnig’s (“A Bite Above the Rest”) new scary-fun mystery (for middle grade readers and up) is scheduled for release Aug. 25. “Phantom Academy” tells the tale of one young Finn, who gets knocked in the head with a stray coconut, doesn’t survive, and lands at the academy for the recently deceased. Kinda dark and twisty, but still fun. The kids will love it; the grown-ups may have some questions, as grown-ups often do. (Aladdin, ages 8 and up, $18.99/hardcover, $8.99/paperback.)
• G.F. Miller’s new romantic read for young readers is “What If You Fall for Me First?” (Aladdin/Simon & Schuster, 2025, 368 pages, $8.99.) Sofia is not “sooo nice,” okay? And is on a mission to show Mark Chen, her crush, that she’s complex. She enlists cool guy Holden to help her, but how is this going to go, folks? Read and see. It’s been fun finding some good summer reads, by the way. Here’s another one…
• The final title in the Restorationists trilogy, “Beyond the Far Horizon,” is scheduled for release Sept. 9. (Written by Carolyn Leiloglou, with illustrations by Vivienne To, WaterBrook/Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group, middle grades and up.) Join Ravi, Georgia and Vincent as they fight with the Distortionists, and learn about art and adventure along the way. Books where kids are the heroes are the best.
• One more picture book… “Kittybunkport,” by Scott Rothman, with illustrations by Zachariah OHora (Viking/Penguin Random House, 2025, ages 3 and up, $18.99). Chowder and Crackers, two sweet and shy kitty cats, living large, catching lobster, enjoying their lobster rolls, and suddenly tasked with fixing the “super-haunted” lighthouse. For the record? They’re not both in agreement on this. The illustrations are pretty great, and the story is funny and dramatic.

The pick of the week is… “Living Bridges,” because I was geeking out on the science-y stuff and resources in the back of the book.

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

I’m ready to say goodbye to winter/spring/rando everything and move into summer. How about you? Here is an amazing and intriguing collection of new releases for you. Enjoy!

• Just started “Growing Home” this morning and it is a delight of a book. (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2025, written by Beth Ferry, art by The Fan Brothers, ages 6 and up, 261 pages, $17.99.) Introducing the Tuppers, with Ivy the houseplant, Arthur the recuperating spider, Ollie (a violet), goldfish Toasty and the big oak tree in the front yard. I predict that the kids will like this magical novel, that reads like a grown-up book, very much.

• Almost finished reading “Schooled,” a new middle-grade title from Jamie Sumner (“Roll with It”). (Yes, my former students and I did love the other “Schooled,” Gordon Korman’s middle-grade novel, when it came out. Highly recommend.) Sumner’s book is a healing, not sweetness and light, incredibly compassionate story of a boy, Lenny, and four other kids who are all going through it for different reasons. They’ve landed (with their professor parents) at the university where their folks are teaching, and form a new cohort, in a new setting. Scheduled for release end of August; add it to your list. OK, I’d better type faster — my cat is trying to find a way to walk on the table, but no luck. So many wonderful spring titles! I’m into these stacks and stacks of books but he is not. (Atheneum Books, ages 10 and up, 224 pages, $17.99.)

• “Shorter Christian Prayer” is the newest prayer book I’ve added to my collection, and I love it very much. Morning and evening prayers, and the layout is approachable. Really enjoying this one.
• Latest title in the “Meet the Wild Things” series from Hayley and John Rocco will be on the shelves end of June. “Hello, I’m a Toucan” is as bright and colorful as the featured birds. Facts and links included, and a perfect pick for the nature lovers in your life. (Penguin Young Readers, all ages, $16.99.) Look for the Roccos’ other titles, too, including “Hello, I’m a Quokka” and “Hello, I’m an Axolotl.”

• “Ray: How Light Works” is a new, non-fiction title, part of the “Science Pals” book series, from science writer Emily Kate Moon. I love the design of this book, with some pages you can turn sideways and into posters, lots of facts and figures, and an engaging, easy to understand style. (Dial Books for Young Readers/Penguin Random House, 2025, all ages, $18.99.)

My picks of the week are: “Schooled” and “Schooled.” Double schooled. All of the titles in today’s post were sent to me for review purposes. Disclaimer here. Bon appetit! And see you next time

WM

(Timberline Lodge/Mt. Hood/Oregon, Sept. 6, 2004; photo by Rawley/use with permission only, please)

• If you’re an adult, and feel like it’s, I don’t know, weird or something? to purchase picture books for yourself? Please consider this permission to start a huge collection right now. Begin with this one, beautifully written and illustrated by Jeanne Walker Harvey (author) and Khoa Le (artist). “The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I.M. Pei” (Atheneum Books for Young Readers/Simon & Schuster; scheduled for release May 27, 2025; ages 4 and up; $19.99) is a work of art, in and of itself. Ieoh Ming (I.M.) Pei, a gifted and extraordinary Chinese American architect, was enlisted by the President of France for oh? Just a small little gig. Remodel the Louvre, take care of the Mona Lisa, and talk later? Maybe keep it a secret so no one has a fit? This book… so good. If you have kids in your life, maybe purchase a copy for them, too. Great idea. (Resources in the back of the book, too.)
• “Cousins in the Time of Magic,” written by the talented Emma Otheguy, arrived awhile back and was misplaced. By me. I’m the one who misplaced it, yeah. But it is never too late for a review around here. (Atheneum Books for Young Readers/Simon & Schuster, 2025, ages 8 and up, 228 pages, $17.99.) I really love this one, and it is the truth: History can come alive with the right book. Cousins Siggy, Camila and Jorge travel back to 1862 — just in time for the Battle of Puebla, and the reason for Cinco de Mayo.
• “Mermaids are the Worst!” is the latest title in this delight of a series by Alex Willan (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2025, all ages, $19.99). The color scheme is kinda the best, all shades of blue, purple and sandy brown. The mermaids feel like they’re 3D and right here with me, so that’s fun. Did you know that mermaids are fast swimmers? Of course they are. Great singers? Again, yes! and friends with the narwhals? Hmm. That’s cool. Fun read as we head into summer.
• A new novel by Alison McGhee addresses the fall-out for a child whose mom had a scary ex-boyfriend. Ten-year-old Daisy is rebuilding, after this ugly time, and she is not “Weird Sad and Silent,” but some people act like she is. She meets a friend who begins to help her with the bullying, and the past trauma. (Rocky Pond Books/Penguin Random House; scheduled for publication May 6, 2025; ages 8 and older; 188 pages; $17.99.) McGhee does a careful, thoughtful job with this heavy topic. Good pick for anyone who has been through it, is going through it, or knows someone who is. And that’s all of us, sadly. I appreciate this title so much.
• When you say, “Ain’t It Funny” when it’s not. We all know that one. Maya is 11, and her dad just bailed on their home life to pursue his stand-up comedy career. Her mom and grandma are there for her, but far too busy, along with Maya, running the family’s Russian deli in New Jersey. And the sixth-grade talent show is coming up. There’s a lot going on at the surface, and underneath, too, with this novel, for ages 8 and up. Margaret Gurevich’s writing brings to mind Judy Blume and her “New York kid” books that I loved so much growing up. “Ain’t It Funny” is in turn sweet, bittersweet, funny, sad and pensive. Perfect book for the kids who aren’t too sure what’s happening next. Yummy recipes from Babushka are included for Sour Cream Cake, Cheese and Garlic Spread and Syrniki (Cheese Pancakes). (Penguin Workshop/Penguin Random House, 2024, grades 3 and older, 234 pages, $17.99.)

The pick of the week is… I.M. Pei and the beautiful Louvre for the win.

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

Besos y abrazos, WM

(“Neskowin/Proposal Rock on Ocean Side”; photo by Rawley/use with permission only, please)

Good afternoon from the Willamette Valley, where it is a glorious Monday. I need to turn off the news and read instead. Highly recommend this technique for de-stressing, for kids and grown-ups alike. And here are this week’s reviews:

• “Hap-Pea Easter,” kids! Keith Baker’s new picture book is here just in time for the spring holiday. (Beach Lane Books/Simon & Schuster, 2025, all ages, $9.99.) (Quietly asking, are we going to be able to afford eggs this year, those of us who don’t raise our own chickens? Just substitute chocolate eggs, it will be OK.) These holiday peas are sure cheerful little guys. They popped by for Halloween and Valentine’s Day, it’s nice to see them for Easter, too. Get ready for “gentle showers, blooming flowers, longer sunny daylight hours.” This one is a treat.

• The kids are ready to crack their second case in “The Sherlock Society: Hurricane Heist,” James Ponti’s latest. Add it to your list: it’s due to be released in early September. (Aladdin/Simon & Schuster; kids ages 8 and up; $18.99.)

• And whoooooosh… here comes “Let’s Fly! Barrington Irving’s Record-Breaking Flight Around the World,” by the one and only Mr. Irving himself. Brave, cool, inspiring story. (Chana Stiefel co-wrote the picture book, and Shamar Knight Justice provided the great illustrations; Dial Books for Young Readers/Penguin Random House; 2025; all ages; $18.99.) Kids who like to fidget with hands-on projects will love this book, and it may even inspire them to do great stuff when they grow up. How great? How about becoming a pilot, at age 23 (this was in 2007) and flying solo around the world? Irving broke records as the youngest person to do this, and the first Black man to undertake the feat, too. Pretty cool.

• Author and illustrator Katie Mazeika is another brave and cool one. She writes about her childhood experiences after losing one of her eyes to cancer in “Maybe Just Ask Me!” Great title, and pretty intense story about what she went through. A lot of time, energy and thoughtfulness went into making this colorful, sweet, joyful book. (Beach Lane Books/Simon & Schuster; scheduled for release April 22, 2025; ages 4 and up; $19.99.) My motto has always been, Talk to me, not about me. (A friend was once hashing through a problem with me, about another friend. Stopped and said, “I should be talking to them, not about them,” and that sentiment has stuck with me.) This is Mazeika’s philosophy, too. Good starting point for kids, and adults, about how to have some of those difficult conversations, which perhaps do not need to be so difficult.

• “Goat is the G.O.A.T” is a sweet and funny new picture book from Bea Birdson, illustrated by Kelly Murphy. (Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin Young Readers, 2025, all ages, $18.99.) Goat hears that his name stands for Greatest of All Time… which means, maybe they’ll have a parade for him, or toss confetti his way, that would be awesome awesomeness. But what is he the greatest at? There has to be something. There will be something.

My pick of the week is… “Let’s Fly!” cuz there is nothing like the freedom of the skies.

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

WM

(“Oh, brrr”; photo by Rawley/use with permission only, please)

We’re in the fake-out season in Oregon. One day, it’s in the 70s, I’m out gardening all morning and in my flip-flops running errands in the afternoon. The next day, they’re talking tornado warnings (this is new to the Pacific Northwest and we’re all confused) and predicting hail “the size of tennis balls.” On the news, they showed a photo illustration of… balls. Golf balls, tennis balls, softballs, and a grapefruit? It rained a bit and was windy, but we were OK. We sometimes get snow in April or May.

I brought home a dozen new chicks a couple of weeks ago. They’re living in a galvanized tub in the garage under a heat lamp until they’re a bit bigger and the weather is nicer. So wish us luck. Four blonde Turkens, four black Turkens and four black pullets, all good-natured, and supposed to be good layers. I. Like. Chickens. Also picture books. And sunshine, but I’ll take the rain when it comes.

• “Beam of Light: The Story of the First White House Menorah” is here in time for Jewish American Heritage Month, which begins annually on May 1st. Elisa Boxer (“Hidden Hope,” “The Voice That Won the Vote”) is the author; Sofia Moore, a Ukrainian American artist and illustrator, provided the art. (Rocky Pond Books/Penguin Random House, 2024, 32 pages, ages 4 and up, $18.99.) Great biography about how the White House Menorah came to be. It’s quite a story, going back to President Truman’s era and continuing until 2022, when it was finally presented to the American people by President Joe Biden, and given a permanent home.

• Another good read for Jewish American Heritage Month is “Shabbat Shalom: Let’s Rest and Reset,” by Suzy Ultman. This sweet board book is just the right size for small hands, and introduces the concepts of weekly Shabbat to the young ones. (Rise x Penguin Workshop, 2025, babies and preschoolers, $9.99.) “We start with dinner. There are candles, and braided bread called challah, and smiles. There’s time for togetherness with family and friends and pets and neighbors and community.” Lovely book.

• Staying with this theme, a big welcome to the picture book “One Small Spark: A Tikkun Olam Story,” by author Ruth Spiro, with illustrations by Victoria Tentler-Krylov. (Dial Books for Young Readers/Penguin Random House, 2024, 40 pages, all ages, $18.99.) Tikkun Olam means “repair the world,” and this wonderful story, a “how-to,” really, with its vibrant art and positive tone, gives us hope. We can do good work, daily. So let’s do that. Peace and love.

• “Under Anna’s Umbrella” is a poignant picture book about grief, written by Amanda Driscoll, with soft, welcoming illustrations by Luisa Uribe. (Rocky Pond Books/Penguin Random House; scheduled for release April 22, 2025; 32 pages; ages 4 and up; $18.99.) Driscoll grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, and still lives in the area. Uribe resides in Bogotá, Colombia. It’s cool that these two artists from different parts of the world found each other and made this extraordinary book, which introduces us to young Anna. Since her father’s rainy funeral, when she hid under her umbrella, she chooses to never go anywhere without it. Then one day, there’s a shift. This book, I think, will help kids. I’m glad for that.

• We have another insightful picture book about grief with “The Hole,” written by author Lindsay Bonilla (I’ve reviewed her work before here) and illustrator Brizida Magro, whose artistic style is joyful and wide-open, which is an interesting approach to a serious topic. (Nancy Paulsen Books, Penguin Random House, 2025, ages 4 and up, $18.99.) A boy has lost his little brother, and it’s left such a hole in his world. This one brought tears to my eyes, and it’s so well-done.

My picks of the week are… “Under Anna’s Umbrella” and “The Hole.” It’s important to talk with kids about grief, and it’s hard, sometimes, to know just how to do that. My tips are: Keep it simple. Keep it age appropriate. Don’t forget the sweet along with the bitter. More sweet than bitter is needed in this life, and we all forget that sometimes. Speaking as someone who was age 7 when she lost her favorite uncle, age 9 when she lost her father, and early 30s when she lost her cousin, her favorite uncle’s son… I have always loved hearing stories about them. Not the “wow, we really partied!” kind of stories, but the ones about the sweetness in them. The annual trip my dad made to drop off a bushel of apples for one of the elders in the family. The hamburger shack where my uncle worked. How much my cousin loved pie.

Take the sweet along with the bitter. I send you all love.

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

WM

(West coast/best coast, Haystack Rock, Oregon coast, 7/28/2005; photo by Rawley, use with permission only, please)

Toying with the idea of planting a couple of dwarf fruit trees to keep inside the house. I have two, no, three, perfect spots. Hmm. Will mull this over.

Reviewing this week — young adult books and one chapter book:

• “A World Worth Saving” is the latest novel from author Kyle Lukoff (Dial Books for Young Readers/Penguin Random House, 2025, ages middle grade and up, 337 pages, $18.99). This is a beautiful, intense and gripping story about a young person, A, who is having to deal with transphobia in an extremely intimidating way (in the world, and also at home, from parents who do not understand and are lacking in compassion). I love the quote from Julian K. Jarboe that leads into the book: “God blessed me by making me transsexual for the same reason he made wheat but not bread and fruit but not wine: because he wants humanity to share in the act of creation.” Amen.

• “Storm Singer” is next up. (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers; skedded for April 15, 2025, release; ages 8 and up; 358 pages; $18.99.) Trigger warning: our hero’s parents are killed in the first chapter of the book. I didn’t like Bambi, or The Lion King, or even Finding Nemo, and here’s why: because parents always have to die in kids’ movies and books? Are we just in the way or something? Don’t be yanking on my heartstrings, right out of the gate, writers. OK, this is a fantasy/thriller about a young person, 12-year-old Nargis, who has the gift of song. She is known, in her world, as a Spirit Singer, and Nargis’s songs can (sometimes, but not all the time) do some pretty astounding stuff. Good job by author Sarwat Chadda.

• “All the Noise at Once” is a great new debut novel from DeAndra Davis, who knocks it completely out of the park with this release (sorry, baseball reference re: book with a football theme). (Atheneum Books for Young Readers/Simon & Schuster; scheduled for release April 15, 2025; ages 14 and up; 377 pages; $19.99.) Davis skillfully and deftly tackles the intersectional issues of being black in America, being a black male in America, autism, police controversy, and more. Just a fantastic read. This one is my pick of the week.

• “Miles Lewis: Pet Sitter,” a fun chapter book for the younger “big” kids, is the fifth so far in the series. Kelly Starling Lyons is the author; Wayne Spencer created the illustrations. Miles is hoping for a pet, but his parents are not so keen on the idea. Excellent way to coach kids about the responsibilities of being a pet owner. (Penguin Workshop; scheduled for release April 15, 2025; 85 pages; ages 4 and up; $6.99.)

• “The Six: The Untold Story of America’s First Women Astronauts” is a great Young Readers edition of this inspiring and well-written biography about some extremely talented women who might not be (are definitely not) getting their props in the American history books. The grown-up edition is well worth reading, too. (Written by Loren Grush, with Rebecca Stefoff, 2025, ages middle grade and older, 310 pages, $17.99.)

• Love this title. “Press 1 for 1nvasion” isn’t due to be released until October, 2025, but I want to get it on everyone’s radar. In J.A. Dauber’s novel, aimed at middle grade readers, we’re introduced to young Matt, who has been wronged. By his parents, of course, who won’t allow him to have a phone yet. So when he happens to find one… well, what would you do? He wasn’t counting on the alien invasion, though. Sympathetic hero and some good tricks and twists.(Aladdin/Simon & Schuster.)

• Last title this week is “Benny on the Case,” by Wesley King (Beach Lane Books/Simon & Schuster; scheduled for release April 15, 2025; ages 8 and up; 278 pages; $17.99.) Benny is a kid who lives in Newfoundland, in a retirement community with the old folks, along with his mama, who runs the place. He has a new friend, Salma; he’s an earnest kid and trying to do the right thing; and he’s trying to fit into a mainstream classroom for the first time (he has Mosaic Down Syndrome). Right away, I love this character, and I love what King has done with his story. Plus, you get to learn about some stuff that’s maybe new to you — what it’s like living with old folks, some slang/local colloquialisms, oh yeah, and it’s a crime novel/mystery, too. Just a great read, and different in its tone and story.

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

WM

(“Cascade Head, Oregon Coast, West Coast/Best Coast”; photo by Rawley/use with permission only, please)

Hello, friends and readers, what’s shaking? I’m reviewing as many books as I can in one fell swoops — all of the spring titles are popping up in my mailbox. In interest of fairness, each book gets a one-sentence review. Here we go…

• “Little Bunny, Spring is Here!” is a new, bright, sweet and timely board book from author/illustrator Deborah Marcero. (G.P. Putnam’s Sons/Penguin Random House, 2025, ages newborn-4, $8.99)
• “Roald Dahl’s How to Have an Eggstraordinary Easter,” illustrated by Quentin Blake (Grosset & Dunlap/Penguin Random House, 2025, ages 4-8, $9.99). This one… so fun. “Huzzah! Hooray! It’s almost Easter Day! Time for Muggle-Wump the monkey to bring the Easter eggs!”
• “When I Talk to God, I Talk About Feelings” is a lovely new story (with beautiful art by Lisa Fields) from Chrissy Metz and Bradley Collins. (Flamingo Books/Penguin Random House; scheduled for release April 8, 2025; ages 4 and up; $18.99.) (Their previous book, which was also a good read, was “When I Talk to God, I Talk About You.”)
• Ooooooh, this one is cool, too, and again, fantastic art and a thoughtful story. “Miss Prim Goes Wild,” by Katy Rose, with art by Thai My Phuong (WaterBrook/Penguin Random House; due to be released March 25, 2025; all ages; $13.99).
• “Our Lake,” written and illustrated by the gifted Angie Kang, is an insightful and kind-hearted glimpse into how two young boys deal with the loss of their father. (Kokila/Penguin Random House, 2025, all ages, $19.99.)
• “Where Are You, Brontë?” is the late and great Tomie dePaola’s final completed manuscript, a love letter to his friend and companion, a beloved Airedale Terrier; Barbara McClintock’s illustrations are perfection, I know that dePaola would have been pleased. (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers; due to be released May 6, 2025; all ages; $19.99.)
• Reverend, U.S. Senator and author Raphael G. Warnock and illustrator TeMika Grooms have brought us a treasure with the new picture book, “We’re in This Together: Leo’s Lunch Box.” Loaves and fishes, y’all. Loaves and fishes forever. A note to readers states: “One in five children in America is food insecure and uncertain where they will get their next meal. This continues not because of a poverty of resources but of moral courage and imagination. We can fix this and we will when we come to recognize that we are all in this together.” That, I love. And today? With what we’re going through in the United States? Those words mean more than ever. That’s more than one sentence, I know. (Philomel/Penguin Random House; scheduled for release April 22, 2025; ages 4 and up; $19.99.)

The pick of the week is… Roald Dahl because I love that guy. Did you know (you probably already know) he wrote a title for almost every letter of the alphabet? I may have mentioned that before. A is for… can’t remember what A is for, ha. B is for “The BFG,” C is for (of course) “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” D is for (my fave) “Danny the Champion of the World,” F is for “Fantastic Mr. Fox” and so and and so forth.

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

WM

(Mt. Hood camping trip, 2006; photo by Rawley/use with permission only, please)

Hello, cats and kittens, what’s shaking? Would you like to know what I’m reading today? Of course you would. OK, I’ll tell you. None of these books are on the shelves yet, but here is a sneak peek:

• “Fierce Aunties!” is a fiercely great new picture book by Laurel Goodluck, with illustrations by Steph Littlebird (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers; release date is April 15, 2025; all ages; $19.99). Goodluck’s intertribal background is Mandan and Hidatsa, from the North Dakota prairies; and Tsimshian, from an Alaskan rainforest. This book is a beautiful love letter to her mother and aunties, including Dody, Phyllis and Karen, as well as elders Aunt Alice and Aunt Lucy. They were born, respectively in in 1899 and 1901 and preferred to speak the family’s tribal language, Hidatsa. They were the family’s last generation to be fluent in the language. Steph Littlebird dedicated her illustrations (which are fantastic) to a long list of amazing family members, including her Grandma Mickey, aunties Sylvia, Julie, Carol, and everyone else who is “in my heart always.” This is a special, meaningful book about the power of love and strong females.

• Hello, hello, “Brave Buzzy Bee,” and welcome. Angela Li did the sweet-as-honey illustrations; Rima Fakih Slaiby and Theresa Alhayek wrote the rhyming picture book, which is pretty fun and bounces along. (Flamingo Books/Penguin Random House; on the shelves Feb. 25, 2025; ages 4-8; $18.99.) Buzzy Bee and his best friend Bumble are ready for the race, but a little apprehensive, too. His dad comes along with encouraging words: “Buzzy was excited for the race ahead but also nervous, so his daddy said, ‘Please be patient, little bee. Bee-lieve, and try your best bravely! Many things won’t go your way, but you can try again each day.‘”

• “Astronaut Hayley’s Brave Adventure” is the story of Ms. Hayley Arceneaux, who wrote her autobiographical story of 1) being a survivor of pediatric cancer and 2) becoming the youngest American to orbit Earth and oh, man. What an inspiring story! (Convergent Books; scheduled for release Feb. 18, 2025; all ages; $13.99.) Be sure to read the bios in the back about Arceneaux and illustrator Lucie Bee. She is a picture book illustrator residing in Yorkshire, Northern England. She works digitally, mostly, but “occasionally returns to her much-loved black tin of watercolors and box of colored pencils.” I love that. The art is bold and lifts the reader right up into space, with our characters.

• Time for one more, Eliza Kinkz’s “!Mistaco!” which is a very goofy and fun picture book — in Spanglish, my specialty — about making mistakes… and fixing them… and learning from them. What do you do when you have a rotten day at school, then all you want to do is hide in the car, but hello/goodbye bees, noooooo bees, go away, and… Then you end up having to help make the tortillas. Yeah. It’s a lot. The art, the story, the Spanglish, the great family and Izzy, a very funny and striking young hero — this gem has it all. (I love that it’s scheduled for publication on April Fools’ Day this year, thank you, Kokila/Penguin Random House for having a great sense of humor. Ages 4-8, $18.99, buy 2 or 4 copies, keep one and give the rest away as gifts. That’s what I say about all of these titles, come to think of it. Wonderful crop of books.)

The pick of the week is… all of them. It’s a great collection. Big high-five to “Fierce Aunties” and “Mistaco,” love you lots.

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

WM