Photo by family/use with permission only please

Hello there, dear readers. How about some summer books? Something to gaze at other than your phones, the television, the tablets and the laptops… yes? Yes. Let’s go.

“Milton Makes a Move” is a sweet new book (which is, I’m happy to say, an autobiographical picture book) about a brave lil pug named Milton, and his adventurous new friend, Jonathan. I love A Boy and His Dog books almost as much as I love A Girl and Her Dog Books. Big, happy sigh, y’all. My blonde dog, aka my BFF, will be very happy when I share this book with her. It has all the feels, a great story, and really nice illustrations. (Author: Jonathan Graziano, whose other books include “Noodle and the No Bones Day.” Illustrator: Dan Tavis, who illustrated the Noodle books and “Common Critters: The Wildlife in Your Neighborhood.” Margaret K. McElderry Books; scheduled for release Aug. 4, 2026; 32 pages; all ages, share the love; $19.99.)

Here is a cool new series from author Matthew J. Gilbert: “The New Norm (Book 1)” and “The New Norm: Pranks and Prejudice (Book 2)” (Simon Spotlight/Simon & Schuster, 2026, ages 8-12, $7.99 apiece). Alexander (Norm) Norman is a regular kid, a student at Meadowview Middle School. In Book 1, his dad makes a video… of Norm. Being goofy at the dentist’s office. And when the reel goes viral? Well, that’s a surprise. In Book 2, a few innocent sticky notes turn into first a mess, then a bigger mess? Great chapter books that the kids will enjoy, and Norm is a relatable character. Well-written and fun.

“The Shark Prince,” a fantasy novel for the same age group (8 and older) is an engaging novel from author Malia Maunakea. A Hawaiian boy, Nohea, is half-human, half-shark. Wait. What? How is this going to mesh with his love of surfing? What will happen if his secret gets out? We shall see, readers, we shall see. Skillfully written and lively, and a fun way to learn about Hawaiian culture and other topics. Good read. (Penguin Workshop/Penguin Young Readers, 2026, 366 pages, $18.99.)

The Muslim Mavericks series, spotlighting in chapter books important and inspiring Muslim people, kicks off with “Maysoon Zayid, the Girl Who Can Can.” (Author: Dr. Seema Yasmin. Illustrator: Noha Habaieb. Salaam Reads, for ages 6 and up, 72 pages, $17.99). Zayid’s name may be new to some of us, but she is a well-regarded (and funny) actress and comedian from Palestine. She also has cerebral palsy. The book introduces us to this amazing person and talks about all aspects of her life. Unusual, uplifting, and a really different story. Will be glad to see this series on the shelves. This title is my Wacky Mommy Pick of the Week.

More soon, stay out of trouble and have a great summer! Bon appetit. Oh, and a disclaimer.

WM