• Just in Case: Saving Seeds in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault

    Just in Case: Saving Seeds in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault

    written by Megan Clendenan, illustrated by Brittany Cicchese

    32 pages, 6–8 years; published 2025 by Charlesbridge Publishing

    Just in Case: Saving Seeds In The Svalbard Global Seed Vault proves once again that a non-fiction picture book can educate everyone. I loved learning about this global safe house for seeds. Megan Clendenan’s text is informative and engaging. She talks about the diversity of plants found across countries and cultures as well as the need for safeguarding seeds. Brittany Cicchese’s illustrations add a mystical quality to the story of this complex undertaking. Extensive back matter provides more details on the Svalbard Vault as well as examples of natural disasters that threatened other seed banks. This book is sure to inform, and motivate, readers of all ages. 

  • “If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day, so I never have to live without you.”

    —from Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne

  • The Night of the Hedgehog

    The Night of the Hedgehog

    written by Tanya Rosie, illustrated by Chuck Groenink

    40 pages, 3–7 years; published 2025 by Candlewick Press

    The Night of the Hedgehog title is intriguing and Chuck Groenink’s cover illustration beckons you inside. Tanya Rosie tells such a sweet tale about a father and daughter observing the splendor of nature in their own backyard. The rhyming text adds a gentle rhythm that makes the night scenes both engaging and comforting. Readers will enjoy witnessing the discovery of the hedgehog highway and are sure to go to bed with dreams in their head of making such memories for themselves. 

  • “…we should never grow so old, or change so much, that we cannot find room in our hearts for the wisdom of children’s books.”

    —Judith Viorst, from What the Dormouse Said: Lessons for Grown-ups from Children’s Book

  • Aggie and the Ghost

    Aggie and the Ghost

    written & illustrated by Matthew Forsythe

    64 pages, 4–8 years; published 2025 by Paula Wiseman Books/Simon & Schuster

    Aggie and the Ghost is a delightfully funny story with a light-hearted tone. Matthew Forsythe creates charming and emotive illustrations of Aggie and the persistent one-eyed ghost that haunts her home. Readers will be amused by Aggies rules for keeping the peace with this unwanted companion and relate to the frustrations of being dismissed. But even a bothersome presence can feel like a friend after a while. Forsythe has a knack for infusing sarcastic charm into his characters and their expressions. Definitely a book kids will bug you to read over and over again like an annoying ghost.

  • “Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.”

    —Charles Williams Eliot

  • The Jade Bracelet

    The Jade Bracelet

    written by Hà Dinh, illustrated by Yong Ling Kang

    40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2025 by Random House Studio

    The Jade Bracelet is a touching story about family traditions and the ways in which they can be difficult for children to embrace. Young Tiên receives a special green bracelet for her birthday. Despite her mother explaining the luck and significance of this jade bangle, Tiên is only able to see that it looks nothing like the popular charm bracelets at school. Hà Dinh shows us the nuanced feelings kids have about honoring their heritage while also trying to fit in among their peers. Yong Ling Kang’s beautiful illustrations hold many details that strengthen the characters and their moods. Both the reader, and Tiên, come to see the value of traditions and the magic they hold.

  • “There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.”

    —Jackie Kennedy

  • A Snow Day for Amos McGee

    A Snow Day for Amos McGee

    written by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin E. Stead

    48 pages, 3–6 years; published 2025 by Roaring Brook Press

    Yet another winner from the dynamic duo of Philip and Erin Stead. While I have a sweet spot for the two previous Amos McGee books, this story stands well on its own. A Snow Day for Amos McGee is a charming depiction of friendship and caring for others. Readers will enjoy watching Amos and his menagerie prepare for a coming snow storm. Philip Stead’s thoughtful words and Erin Stead’s tenderly detailed art pull you into a comforting space you’ll never want to leave. See how the fun and beauty of a snowy day is much more meaningful when shared with friends.

  • “A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest.”

    —C.S. Lewis

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