A peanut butter sandwich seems straightforward enough to make, right? Well, for a group of grinning, dedicated animals in Canadian author-illustrator Bambi Edlund’s How to Make a Peanut Butter Sandwich in 17 Easy Steps, the making of peanut butter sandwiches is akin to a grand- and happily wacky!- expedition. Before diving into the story, readers discover precisely what items and which animals needed to make said sandwich. Loaves of bread? Absolutely! But…don’t forget a skunk, a brimmed hat, two crows, a miniature donkey, clogs, an accordion, and much, much more! Readers may wonder how exactly all of these odds and ends and seemingly sideways steps will actually come together to make a sandwich, but fear not! Through brightly coloured, sweetly illustrated spreads and clearly numbered and defined steps, readers will giggle along as our group of new, adorable animal friends get closer and closer to the last, delicious step. For readers who enjoy the awesomely funny vibes of titles such as How to Wash a Woolly Mammoth, If Your Monster Won’t Go to Bed, or How to Give a Cat a Bath in 5 Easy Steps, Bambi Edlund’s debut picture book is a marvellous, giggly pick.

In Maria Birmingham and Raz Latif’s non-fiction title Odd Couples: A Guide to Unlikely Animal Pairs, readers are taken on an exploration of multiple animal pairs who have surprising things in common. Beginning with a look at a bee hummingbird and giraffe, readers are asked to consider: “What could this odd couple have in common?”. On the following pages, we get to learn that both animals hum– and why they do! With descriptive paragraphs of explanation attached to each animal, Odd Couples provides a fuller- yet still concise- dose of engaging learning. Odd Couples carries the same format of ask-and-answer-explanation through the book; and the variety of animals explored is impressive, with everything from wombats and seahorses to great white sharks and snails in the spotlight. The book closes on looking at the similarity between humans and koalas- sure to delight readers!- and also includes a short Glossary of terms. Canadian duo Birmingham and Latif have done a solid job here of blending absorbing, educative text with charming, appealing artwork in this children’s non-fiction offering. Sure to attract readers who enjoy learning cool, new animal facts in an uncomplicated format, Odd Couples: A Guide to Unlikely Animal Pairs is a terrific selection.

I received copies of these titles courtesy of Owlkids Books in exchange for honest reviews. All opinions and comments are my own. Titles have been published and are currently available.

Book Description: Ploof is a puffy cloud who’s a little lonely — but now you’re here, and the fun can begin! Can you help Ploof overcome their shyness? Play pretend? Make Ploof laugh with your funny faces, find their hiding spot, give them a high five! Full of imaginative and interactive fun, each page of this perfect book for preschoolers offers a chance to play. By following cues to say hello, clap, blow, shake, wave or make a funny face, young readers will be delighted to see the effects of their actions on Ploof. They’ll learn social-emotional skills like empathy, encouragement and kindness through Ploof’s emotional journey — and, along the way, they’ll learn how to be a fantastic friend! Join Ploof’s adventures in a brand-new series co-written and co-illustrated by Narwhal and Jelly creator Ben Clanton and up-and-coming picture book maker Andy Chou Musser.

Ben Clanton (Narwhal and Jelly) and Andy Chou Musser (A Home Under the Stars) join creative forces to bring readers the utterly delightful interactive picture book Ploof. When readers meet little Ploof the cloud, the protagonist of the story, we learn that “Ploof is feeling lonely” and are asked to say hello. After saying hello, readers will turn the page to discover a happier, wide-eyed, smiling Ploof exclaiming “whoosh whee!” to the audience. As the story continues, Ploof goes through different experiences, emotions and levels of energy as readers are encouraged to help Ploof along. From being asked to “cheer Ploof on” by clapping; blowing “softly on Ploof” to “help puff Ploof back up”; playing guessing games and hide-and-seek with Ploof; and gently shaking a tree to help get Ploof unstuck, readers have multiple opportunities to not only be part of Ploof’s packed-to-the-brim and busy adventures, but also demonstrate understanding and empathy in taking care of their new friend. From front book cover (how can one dare resist a sweetly smiling Ploof?!) to back book cover, and pages in between, Ploof’s illustrations are wonderfully engaging, sure to enchant and melt the hearts of readers of all ages.

Ben Clanton and Andy Chou Musser have created a terrifically enjoyable picture book with Ploof: its captivating interactive feature, smooth and briskly moving story, and supremely winsome character in Ploof make for excellent reading. Readers who delight in picture books with an interactive element- along the lines of Hervé Tullet’s Let’s Play, Christie Matheson’s Plant the Tiny Seed, or Claudia Rueda’s Hungry Bunny– will likely adore Ploof and look forward to happily reading and rereading the story.

I received a copy of this title courtesy of Tundra Books/Penguin Random House Canada in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own. The expected publication date for Ploof is September 26, 2023.

With a number of favourable reviews and a star from Publisher’s Weekly, Naseem Hrab and Kelly Collier’s fantastic, very funny, and thoughtful How to Party Like a Snail is a picture book to be celebrated. As the story begins, readers are immediate introduced to smiling Snail, wearing a bright party hat on their shell. We are also informed that “Snail is a party animal. Well…kind of.” What does mean, exactly, to be kind of party animal? Well, we learn that Snail “loves the quiet things about parties”, like the confetti, “whispering meaningful wishes to cakes”, and “savoring those few silent seconds before everyone yells ‘SURPRISE!’”. Those sounds like cool, special things that Snail adore about parties, but…parties are generally known for being LOUD and exciting and busy, right? Does Snail like any of the loud parts about parties? Well…no. Snail “shrinks into his shell” when the LOUD parts start happening, and even though he starts grooving his own way…quietly…alone…in his shell, Snail can’t help but feel like the odd friend out. As the party invites dwindle, Snail decides to throw a party for just for himself, just the way he likes it- quiet and cozy. With a great strike of luck, though, just as he finds that something is definitely missing from his perfect quiet party, he discovers someone who just might be an incredibly perfect friend. Presented in comics-style format, with bright speech bubbles, and plenty of dynamic and humorous moments, Naseem Hrab’s engaging storytelling along with Kelly Collier’s giggle-inducing, lovable and adorably expressive animals make How to Party Like a Snail a real find. Winsome all-around, with a story that gently touches upon subjects such as sensory sensitivity and introversion, How to Party Like a Snail is definitely recommended reading.

“It’s your big day, truck. Time to shine! One by one, all of you, GET IN LINE! Come on, now. You need to wash. Let’s get going-slather and slosh.” Written by Susan Hughes and illustrated by Suharu Ogawa, Hooray for Trucks! is a brightly illustrated and bouncy rhyming picture book, tailor-made for readers who love reads starring all manners of vehicles! Multiple construction and other trucks are supposed to be getting themselves washed, shined, and ready for a “big day”. Megaphone in hand, our human protagonist marches up to the brightly coloured, grinning, slightly mischievous trucks and lets them know they need to get in line and get washed up. It doesn’t seem like a big ask, but unfortunately, the vehicles have other plans in mind- namely, staying dirty and working, working, working! “Trucks like one thing: trucks like work. Flatten that soil and haul that dirt…trucks want to move. Trucks want to DO!…To be soaked and lathered, scrubbed high and low? That’s just boring- so no, no, NO!”. Just when it seems like the trucks might never line up for a wash, the trucks start listening and begin to realize that getting cleaned up is actually an “important chore”, and part of their work! And with that, Forklift, Grader, Cement Mixer, and Bobcat begin to help each other “wash, wash, WASH!”. In a very sweet and cheery climax, it is revealed just what the trucks have been getting themselves all ready and polished for. For fans of the Construction Site series of books, or titles such as Emma Garcia’s Tip Tip Dig Dig, Kate and Jim McMullen’s I’m Dirty, or similar truck-themed books, Hooray for Trucks! is a fantastic pick. With its general highlight on the importance of teamwork and over-arching encouraging, can-do! tone, Susan Hughes and Suharu Ogawa bring readers a positive and happy read. Hughes’s skilled use of rhyme, repetition, and onomatopoeic text, along with Ogawa’s use of popsicle bright, rainbow washes of colour for the trucks (and let’s not ignore the trucks’ spirited expressions and movements!) will endear readers and keep them engaged and eager for re-reads. Hooray for Trucks! indeed!

I received copies of these titles courtesy of Owlkids Books in exchange for honest reviews. All opinions and comments are my own. Titles have been published and are currently available.

“Crimson Twill was a little witch. But you might not know it. She didn’t look like a typical little witch…Crimson didn’t act like a typical little witch, either. She giggled instead of cackled. She skipped instead of slunk around. And instead of having nightmares, like witches were supposed to, Crimson dreamed.”

The adorable and pun-tastically magical Crimson Twill: Witch in the City is a new series opener written by Kallie George and illustrated by Birgitta Sif. A lively and zippy illustrated chapter book, Crimson Twill: Witch in the City stars a puppy-loving, polka-dot wearing, friendly and helpful witch named Crimson. Crimson and her mother, who live in Cackle County (in the “deep dark woods” of the country) are preparing for a trip to Broomingdale’s- a huge and super popular mall way out in New Wart City! It’s the first big trip for Crimson and she cannot wait. What will it be like flying with her mom in heavy broom traffic? What kinds of goodies will Broomingdale’s special Moonlight Café have? What special treat will Crimson decide to buy for herself? As Crimson and her mom make their way to the mall, Crimson finds herself a bit overwhelmed. For a start, Crimson doesn’t seem to be wearing what a lot of other witches are wearing…and no one else seems to have a happy bow decorating their hat! Crimson travels from floor to floor (with the help of a chatty elevator), searching for something perfect: maybe a new broom? What about a new hat? Or maybe even a kitten; witches are supposed to love cats, right? As Crimson explores, she finds that nothing is quite turning out as she anticipated…but some things end up going even better than she could have hoped. Kallie George offers readers a boisterous and fun tale, full of puns, so wonderfully matched by Birgitta Sif’s sweet and charming illustrations. For readers looking for something gently spooky and whimsical (just in time for Halloween!), or for readers who like illustrated chapter books along the lines of series such as Isadora Moon, Amelia Fang, or Ghoulia, Crimson Twill: Witch in the City is a terrific pick. Look forward to more adventures from Crimson and her new friends Mauve and Wesley with Crimson Twill: Witch in the Country, set for summer 2023 release!

Now for a happy reading pile of recommended graphic novels- a mix of middle grade as well as for younger/early readers! In no particular order, here are some highlights:

Garlic and the Witch (Garlic #2) by Bree Paulsen; Red Panda & Moon Bear: The Curse of the Evil Eye (Red Panda & Moon Bear #2) by Jarod Roselló, colourist Lesley Atlanksy; Crunch (Click #5) by Kayla Miller; The Flamingo by Guojing; Party Animals (Cranky Chicken #2) by Katherine Battersby; Unicornado: Another Phoebe and Her Unicorn Adventure (Phoebe and Her Unicorn #16) by Dana Simpson; Narwhalicorn and Jelly (Narwhal & Jelly #7) by Ben Clanton; Tide Pool Troubles (Shelby & Watts #1) by Ashlyn Anstee; Remarkably Ruby (Emmie & Friends #6) by Terri Libenson; Stick and Stone Explore and More (Stick and Stone #3) by Beth Ferry and Kristen Cella; The Tryout: A Graphic Novel written by Christina Soontornvat, illustrated by Joanna Cacao; and last but definitely not least, All Together (Bird & Squirrel #7)– the wonderful series finale!- by James Burks.

Happy reading, all!

I received a copy of Crimson Twill: Witch in the City courtesy of Candlewick Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own. All title in this post have been published and are currently available.

A wonderfully sweet and vibrantly illustrated rhyming picture book, Blue Baboon Finds Her Tune is the latest children’s offering from Helen Docherty and Thomas Docherty– who you may recognize as the team behind The Snatchabook and The Storybook Knight! Under the light of an “orange moon”, readers see a bright and curious blue baboon spy a…bassoon! With no one playing it! And what can Blue Baboon really be expected to do except try to play the instrument and join the small band already playing? Unfortunately, it seems as though the other band players do not want baboon to play with them as her bassoon playing is… “out of tune”. Poor baboon! As the other band members decide to take the bassoon back and begin to walk away, a monsoon suddenly starts pouring down, leaving a wet and sad blue baboon! But readers do not need to worry that all is lost as baboon soon takes off in a ballon, finds herself in a dune, and in the midst of a happier new musical adventure. While the closing of the story might have benefited from a slightly more drawn-out ending, Blue Baboon Finds Her Tune is still a treat. With its snappy, sweet rhyming text and adorable artwork, Blue Baboon Finds Her Tune is perfect for a younger/toddler audience- and for trying out as a bouncy read aloud story. Readers will find much to enjoy in Helen Docherty and Thomas Docherty’s inviting and bright story world.

Author and illustrator Anne Hunter’s Baby Squeaks is a wonderfully wry and sweet tale centred on a little baby mouse and what happens when baby mouse starts to speak. As the story opens, readers see a mama mouse snuggling her swaddled baby mouse close, with the note that “Baby Mouse was a quiet baby…at first”. As readers turn the page, we see the delight in Mama’s beaming smile and raised paws as “Baby said Baby’s first word”: squeak! Then comes a second word: squeak squeak! How absolutely thrilling! But as it turns out, once this Baby Mouse begins to talk, they do not stop…not even for a breath or moment…and Mama Mouse begins to appears more than a little worn out due to the never-ending squeaking. After depositing Baby Mouse outside their mouse house to see the sun and animal friends (and for much-needed breather), Baby Mouse squeaks her way into, and quickly out of, making new friends. From porcupines to rabbits and a fawn, Baby Mouse continues her litany of squeaks as they wander. But what happens when Mama wakes up to find Baby Mouse gone- how will Baby Mouse ever be found? A very dry, very funny picture book that perfectly captures that joy and conundrums, incredible love and exhaustion of parenting, Baby Squeaks is another winning title from Anne Hunter. Hunter’s gorgeous and distinctive style of artwork- ballpoint pen and coloured pencil are used here- and minimal colour palette allow the expressive animals and dialogue bubbles of squeaky Baby Mouse to take center stage. Readers who enjoyed Hunter’s Where’s Baby? (the first in the Baby Animals series) or love picture books by creators such as Liz Climo, Ruth Chan, Abi Cushman, or Jory John might especially delight in Baby Squeaks.

I received a copy of Blue Baboon Finds Her Tune courtesy of Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review. I received a copy of Baby Squeaks courtesy of Tundra Books/Penguin Random House Canada. All opinions and comments are my own. Titles have been published and are currently available.

“One day the cow has such a cold that when she tried to ”MOO,” her nose was super stuffy and the the cow said, ”BOOOOOOO”. Canadian author Lana Button and Canadian illustrator Alice Carter team up together to bring readers the funny and sweet picture book The Cow Said BOO!. Have you ever had a cold that so congested your poor nose and sinuses that your ‘m’s’ came out as ‘b’s’’? Well, when The Cow Said BOO! begins, readers learn that poor cow is struggling with a pretty bad cold. When they try to say ‘moo’ it comes out as a ‘BOO!’– which is actually pretty darn adorable and funny!- but for the other animal in her barnyard, the BOOs are not going over so well…especially after cow accidentally trips into a clothesline and gets herself trapped under a bedsheet! “‘Awk! the rooster crowed. What do we cock-a-doodle-do?” They thought the farm was haunted when the cow said, ”BOO!”. Mistaken for a boo-ing scary ghost, cow finds herself left out in the literal cold, only to come to the rescue of her barnyard friends in a moment of danger. One extra last-moment reveal (which I not spoil here!) adds an even more delightful layer to the story. The Cow Said BOO! is energetic and fun, with a delightful refrain (perfect for chanting), the bustling, sweet illustrations that make the picture book terrific read aloud material. Perfect for Halloween or seasonal fall reading, or for readers looking for a giggly, endearing and rhyming story, The Cow Said BOO! is a delight. Endpapers at the book’s end includes an adorably illustrated spread on how to ”scare away colds” with five steps for washing ”your hooves and paws” to sparkly clean and dry.

“Gentle wind, rising breeze/Scatters fluffy milkweed seeds/Gusting wind: whoosh and whirl/Flags a-flutter, pinwheels twirl”. The Canadian duo of author Deborah Kerbel and artist Miki Sato bring readers more fantastic seasonal adventures with Windy Days. I have had the pleasure of talking about the collaborators’ previous beautiful books Sunny Days and Snow Days; this new entry brings readers more weather experiences and seasonal excitement all to do with the wind. From softer of winds that lift dandelion seeds, to ”whistling wind [and] stormy song”, all the way to ”roaring wind, howling sky/restless storm clouds rolling by”, Windy Days take readers along through the seasons of the year and all of the amazing and amazingly different kinds of windy weather we can experience. Readers see the scenes change from spread to spread, noticing how types of winds (and clouds!) accompany various points of the seasons: from blowing pinwheels at a summer fair; apple picking at a farm as turbine towers work in the distance; to children and a puppy playing in a pile of leaves as winds swirl brilliant autumn colours all around them. As ever, Deborah Kerbel’s storytelling by way of sweet rhyming couplets and Miki Sato’s textured collage artwork make for a lively, tactile reading experience. Not only a lovely, gentle way to introduce concepts of weather to a young audience/young readers, but also, quite simply, a genuinely beautiful and clear rhyming story that gorgeously captures the childhood wonder in experiencing the natural world. Readers who have already read and enjoyed Snow Days and Sunny Days, other similarly short rhyming stories, or picture books about the seasons, might especially adore this. Back matter includes ideas for child-friendly wind-related science experiments, as well as a concise rundown of types of clouds. Note: Windy Days is published in “Toddler Tough” format: a more compact picture book size and form, with a padded cover and sturdy, slightly thicker glossy pages. Great for exploring little hands!

I received copies of these titles courtesy of Pajama Press in exchange for honest reviews. All opinions and comments are my own. Titles have been published and are currently available.

“Jop! I think something is wrong with my brain!” 
”Why’s that, Blip?” 
”I’ve been thinking up some really weird questions.” 
”Weird, huh? Like when you asked how far a porcupine can shoot its quills?” …

For readers familiar with the zany, funny work of Jim Benton: get ready for something extra fun in a children’s non-fiction read! And for readers unfamiliar with the zany, funny work of Jim Benton: well, the same applies! Robot friends Jop and Blip have a pretty big undertaking ahead: little robot Blip has quite a lot questions rolling around in his head and is hoping to get Jop’s help in getting to the the bottom of three big questions. In this first series of entry of Jop and Blip Wanna Know: Can You Hear a Penguin Fart on Mars?: And Other Excellent Questions, our two protagonists will find out: the answer to the titular question of whether or not you can hear a penguin fart on mars; whether you can make a dragon sandwich (yes, that’s right, a dragon sandwich!); and lastly, why we need two ears. At just under one hundred pages, the volume is approachable and not intimidating for readers of various comfort levels, while the graphic novel layout is extremely welcoming for readers who enjoy exploring illustrated or unconventional non-fiction. Benton’s sideways humour, use of kooky asides and colourful illustrations- in tandem with scientific facts and scientific explanations- make for lighthearted and informative reading- a win all-around that confirms Jop and Blip’s belief that ”everything is worth knowing!”. Readers who appreciate their informational non-fiction with generous dose of zing and/or humour- along the the lines of the Disgusting Critters series, Science Comics series, Lesser Spotted Animals, or How to Promenade with a Python (And Not Get Eaten)- might especially delight in the learning and laughs to be had with Jop and Blip Wanna Know. I am already looking forward to read about what questions the two friends are going to tackle in the next book!

“Well, this is going to stop! Someone is going to get hurt.” 
”But he’s okay.”
 ”I’m getting tired of this! You should know better…/…I don’t know if it’s on purpose or by accident, but you’re going to hurt him!”

Written by prolific children’s author Charise Mericle Harper and illustrated by Rory Lucey, Bad Sister is a graphic novel memoir that follows the childhood of young Charise from the moment her parents bring home her new baby brother from the hospital. Based on the experiences and memories of Charise Mericle Harper (and her time growing up with her younger brother Daniel), Bad Sister is an intriguing, meaningful story. Charise is an imperfect kid and she is an imperfect big sister- just like siblings can be! She makes errors in judgement, she makes huge mistakes; she is often not very thoughtful and nor considerate about her little brother’s safety; she gets envious and jealous about how thoughtful her little brother can be; and sometimes, her actions lead to her and her little brother getting hurt. But Charise, as she grows up and out of her childhood years, has huge moments of learning, of trying harder to be patient and a good leader to Daniel, and of taking the time to consider what makes a ”bad sister”– and what she might be able to do differently. Charise’s narrative and voice draw readers in immediately, and the quick-pace of the graphic novel, along with Rory Lucey’s bright and clean, retro-feeling artwork make the story’s moments of busy kids’ activity and emotional peaks even more compelling. I do wish the graphic novel has spoken more to Charise’s discovery of having propagnosia (face blindness), as well as the siblings’ parents and their respective personalities- I thought these sections and components of the story were fascinating, but were not covered as deeply as I had hoped. In all, readers who have enjoyed Raina Telgemeier’s Sisters, Jennifer L. Holm’s Sunny series, or Terri Libenson’s Emmie & Friends series might especially enjoy reading Charise’s narrative and the vignette-like dives into the deep complexities of sibling and familial relationships and dynamics. On the receiving end of a starred reviews from Kirkus and School Library Journal, Bad Sister will likely be a tremendously popular pick with eager graphic novel readers.

I received a copy of Jop and Blip Wanna Know #1 courtesy of Benton Arts; I received a copy of Bad Sister courtesy of Raincoast Books in exchange for honest reviews. All opinions and comments are my own. Titles have been published and are currently available.

“So, what? If someone doesn’t like you instantly, that’s it?” “That’s not what I’m saying, Lucy. I just don’t think that it’s healthy to worry so much about making other people like you”.

The fourth entry in the popular and bestselling middle grade graphic novel series by Kayla Miller, Clash follows protagonist Olive as she and her school friends welcome a new kid into their fold. From previous novels, readers know and love Olive as the kid who is friendly and friends with everyone. In Click, we met Olive as she was trying to figure out her niche and wondering where or how exactly she fit in at school; in Camp, Olive found herself opening up to the possibilities of more friends and new interests (and at odds with her more reticent friend Willow!); and Act sees student council and school politics at the forefront when Olive goes up against friends Trent and Sawyer during a school election. Now, in Clash, Olive finds herself struggling and worrying as a new, seemingly cool and sophisticated sixth-grader named Natasha just…doesn’t seem to like Olive. “I was just thinking about Nat…it’s not like she’s being really mean to me or anything, but I get the feeling…I dunno…that she doesn’t like me?” While Olive does her best to welcome Nat to the school, show her the ropes, and introduce her to all of her friends, Nat seems strangely detached. By asking Olive whether she’s a cheerleader or dating Trent, Nat finds out that Olive is actually friendly with just about everyone– and everyone likes and respects Olive back! As days go by, however, small and hurtful things Nat does push Olive the wrong way: after a volleyball incident in gym class, a lie about hanging out, and belittling Olive’s love of the supposedly juvenile Teen Swamp Creature television series, Olive starts to wonder…What do you do when you think someone doesn’t like you- no matter what you do? A climactic moment and reveals during a Halloween party are so well done, and Miller brings the story to an insightful finale. A thoughtful and heartwarming dive into friendship and all the uncertainties, highs and lows it can bring; as well as touching upon emotions of jealousy and loneliness, Clash is an excellent series entry, likely to be hugely resonant with readers. In an already-fantastic middle grade series, Clash might just be the strongest entry yet and I cannot wait to see where author and illustrator Kayla Miller goes next with Olive’s story. Readers can also look forward to a new graphic novel called Besties: Work It Out, starring Olive’s friends Chanda and Beth. Besties: Work It Out, written by Kayla Miller and Jeffrey Canino, illustrated by Kristina Luu, is set to release in October 2021. Clash’s Extra Credits: Lettering by Micah Myers, Colour by Jess Lome.

Now let’s take a look at some of the other graphic novels (from early reader series to middle grade) I’ve read and would recommend!

In no particular here they are: The Accursed Vampire by Madeline McGrane, a macabre and spooky yet wonderfully tender and clever story starring vampires, a maybe impossible-to-break curse, unexpected found family, and fantastic characters (think along the lines of Reza Farazmand’s City Monsters, for a much younger crowd!); acclaimed author and illustrator Remy Lai (Pie in the Sky) brings readers her graphic novel debut called Pawcasso, a beautifully layered story about the most loveable, incredibly talented dog in town, and a lonely (and wary of other kids!) eleven year old named Jo who accidentally- but maybe also on purpose!- lets other kids in town think that Pawcasso is hers; Ira Marcks’s Shark Summer, a captivating read set on Martha’s Vineyard, featuring local mystery and lore, with very cool movie-nods throughout; the very wacky, very funny Ham Helsing: Vampire Hunter by Rich Moyer, which has a 1990s WB and Nickolodean animation style and energy. And yes, it stars a vampire hunting (but-would-rather-be-doing-something-else) pig named Ham! Mike Deas and Nancy Deas’ Otter Lagoon (Sueno Bay Adventures #2) is the exciting and beautifully drawn follow-up to Shadow Island; Georgia Dunn’s Breaking Cat News series continues to seriously delight with Elvis Puffs Out, book four in the series (I also went back to re-read the series recently, it is such a JOY!). In the case of early reader/younger reader graphic novel series: Mika Song’s Apple of My Pie, book two in the Norma and Belly series, is just as sweet and funny as the series opener, with an apple orchard and missing Pops squirrel at its core; Grumpy Monkey: Freshly Squeezed, from Suzanne Lang and Max Lang, brings the orange-squeezing Jim Panzee and friends from the Grumpy Monkey picture books to a delightful graphic novel series opener; and last but not least, friends Pea, Bee, and Jay are back for more adventures in the laugh-out-loud series entry from Brian “Smitty” Smith called Lift Off. Cuteness and giggles abound! Happy reading to you all!

I received a copy of Clash courtesy of Raincoast Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own. All titles featured here have been published and are currently available.

In no particular order, here are the recommended reads: Hyewon Yum’s Grandpa Across the Ocean is a soft and deeply beautiful and poignant story about a grandfather and a grandson- who live an ocean apart- who grow closer over a summer spent together. Yum’s artwork and storytelling is as thoughtful and tender as ever; the colour pencil illustrations are achingly lovely; and the intergenerational story is perfect for those who have had a chance to read Sennah Yee and Elaine Chen’s wonderful My Day with Gong Gong. Corey R. Tabor’s Snail Crossing is a terrifically funny picture book that had my daughter and I holding our tummies from giggling. (Snail Crossing will also have you repeating the phrase “Evasive maneuvers!” while laughing). The story centres on a determined, kind, and sweetly oblivious snail’s mission to get some cabbage that goes that goes awry yet also very right in this wonderful tale. Tabor is also the author of the delightful picture book Mel Fell- seek out both is you’d like some picture book joy! Up next is The Midnight Fair by Gideon Sterer, illustrated by Mariachiara Di Giorgio, a wordless picture book, presented in a comics-style layout, that unfurls a fantastical story featuring woodland creatures and their stupendous nighttime adventures at a traveling carnival. Truly stunning, with magnificent illustrative details, this is not to be missed. Summer Camp Critter Jitters, written by Jory John and illustrated by Liz Climo is the brilliant second tale featuring the anxious animal cast from First Day Critter Jitters. Perfect for summertime (and for those of us who can relate to over-thinking worriers!) this is an extremely funny and warmhearted story. If you’re in the mood for more funny picture books, then might I suggest taking a look at Julie Rowan-Zoch’s I’m A Hare, So There!?. A ground squirrel gets much more than they bargained for when they say hello to what they think is a rabbit, but turns out to be a HARE, H-A-R-E, so there!. Humorous and sly, with a cool study of dessert animals, Rowan-Zoch’s title is a winner. Readers who enjoyed Liz Wong’s I am NOT a Penguin: A Pangolin’s Lament might especially love I’m A Hare, So There!. I Am a Peaceful Goldfish, written by Shoshana Chaim, illustrated by Lori Joy Smith, is an effervescent and serene picture book all about using our breath and turning on our imagination to bring ourselves back to calm. When emotions take over and we “can’t calm down”, we can imagine ourselves as a goldfish, an elephant, “swinging wind chimes”, or even “a gentle dragon”; take deep, calming breaths and try to breathe out as those creatures and objects might do. A lovely picture book to use for mindfulness or as a calming exercise for read aloud (or at home!). Ben Zhu’s Dessert Island is wonderful picture book that makes the most of contrasting spreads and limited text to illustrate luck- and how quickly luck can turn in a matter of moments. The changing fortunes of Monkey, who lives on a dessert island, and Fox, who lives on a desert island, show readers just how suddenly fortunes can change (whether due to environment or other factors), and the importance and unexpected serendipity of helping someone in need. Last but definitely not least, Stephanie Graegin’s Fern and Otto: A Story About Two Best Friends is a marvellous story within a story (within stories!) that features a story-writing bear and cat who decides that he and his best friend need more EXCITEMENT and adventure in their lives (and in Fern’s stories). What readers discover, however, is that while Fern and Otto go on a trek to find capers it turns out that they have oodles of fairy tale stories happening all around them- if only they (well, Otto!) would stop for just a moment! So beautifully illustrated, with the sweetest and cleverest nods to fairy tale classics, there are endless scenes to explore and revisit here. Happy reading to you all- some extraordinary reads here!

An outstanding illustrated short novel-in-verse, The Bird in Me Flies by Sara Lundberg, translated by B.J. Epstein, is a captivating, deeply affecting story, inspired by the life of Swedish artist Berta Hansson. It is the 1920s in a northern farming village in Sweden and young Berta dreams of flying away to another life. As a young girl who sees the world with questioning eyes and is inclined towards art and artistic pursuits, thinking of a pre-determined life ahead as on the farm or as a housewife seems…fundamentally wrong. Incongruous. While encouraged by her beloved mother (who has been seriously ill for many years with tuberculosis) to draw and explore, Berta’s father sees no place for art. Or perhaps rather, he sees no place for young Berta to plan for a future in anything beyond the practical and domestic expectations for women. The Bird in Me Flies follows the ebb and flow of the innermost, hidden thoughts, wonders, and dreams that Berta holds dear, as she: endures the limitations of her school, teachers and classmates; catches glimpses of real artwork in her reality; prepares for her eldest sister to leave home; and copes with the deepest familial tragedy. A pensive, thoughtful and thought-provoking read, with an incredible moment of climax, and an ending that proffers rays of change and hope. The Bird in Me Flies is gorgeous, with Lundberg’s absolutely stunning and varied illustrations (inspired by Hansson’s own artwork) adding even more atmosphere, weight, and astonishment to this story. For readers who enjoy novels-in-verse and/or biographical non-fiction or biographical picture books (e.g. Planting Stories; Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker; Mary, Who Wrote Frankenstein; Dinosaur Lady), The Bird in Me Flies is highly recommended reading. Extras: Back Matter includes a detailed and not-to-be-missed Afterwords by journalist Alexandra Sundqvist, complete with photographs of Berta Hansson and her family, looks at Hansson‘s artwork, notes from personal journals, and details on Hansson’s later life; Further Reading and a list of sources. Notes: For readers wishing to read more about Sara Lundberg’s creative process for The Bird in Me Flies, there is a fantastically detailed post from the author-artist over on Picturebook Makers. I also did my own further reading and exploration into Berta Hansson’s artwork and life, reading a few different online sources- you can take a look here, here, and here if you are interested.

A watchful red chair sits at the centre of Dasha Tolstikova’s (A Year Without Mom) latest picture book, The Bad Chair. Night after night, Chair watches longingly as a young girl named Vivi and her friend Monkey play a game of hide-and-investigate. Monkey hides under a blanket as per usual, Vivi pretends to look and then asks her witnesses if they’ve seen Monkey. Chair, a witness, would like nothing more than to be part of their game- to actually get to hide and be found! The other house crew/witnesses don’t seem to mind not being part of the excitement- Kettle’s attention is on making tea, Cat doesn’t seem to care, and Plant is focused on Cat. Chair devises a slightly dastardly plan to temporarily take over duties from Monkey; as you might imagine, though, plans go awry as Monkey’s absence causes a kerfuffle and guilty admission from Chair. The Bad Chair is a somewhat difficult to define story (even with a core message about friendship): it is once oddball (which I quite love) and quiet; subversive and visually atypical, with unexpected moments of humour and shows of kindness. It is also a story that in my estimation, grows increasingly appealing upon each reading. Dasha Tolstikova’s illustrations here are clean and bright, crafting so much (kind of like Jon Klassen!) with short lines of a smile, eyebrows, and shifting eyes. Readers familiar with Tolstikova’s wonderful roster of picture books and illustrative work, or those who enjoy sideways stories like The Obstinate Pen and stories by Daisy Hirst, Olivier Tallec, or Polly Dunbar might especially love meeting The Bad Chair.

I received digital copies of these titles courtesy of Groundwood Books/House of Anansi Press in exchange for honest reviews. All opinions and comments are my own. Titles have been published and are currently available.