First declared by the United Nations in 1999, World Space Week has grown to be the largest public space-related event in the world. The week is an international celebration of science and technology, and their contribution to the betterment of the human condition. This year’s theme is the Rocket Revolution and “celebrates how launch innovation has stimulated the rapidly-growing space economy and enabled new uses of space to help the world.” A stellar international line up of events is planned to commemorate this initiative in 100 countries. The week includes space education and outreach events held by space agencies, aerospace companies, schools, planetaria, museums, and astronomy clubs around the world. To learn more about the week, visit worldspaceweek.org.
Thanks to Twirl for sending me a copy of this book for review!
Lost in Space! (Flip and Find)
By Ben Newman
Young space adventurers are about to blast into a galaxy of fun with Lost in Space! (Flip and Find), an interactive puzzle in a book! Assigned five missions comprising three phases each, kids are asked to put their skills of observation, critical thinking, and problem solving to the test. To get started, they need only to open the cover and pick up all the gear they’ll need—a die-cut card attached just inside. The card’s three windows provide an astonishingly varied view of the stars, planets, meteors, rockets, and even space beings they’ll encounter on their journey.
Children will have to use their smarts, coordination, powers of deduction, and just plain love of discovery to place the card on each game board, then flip and turn it this way and that until they match the visual challenges and complete each assignment: Cosmic Wonders, Hello, Space Beings!, So Many Stars!, Rocket Ruckus, and Mission Marvels.
Ben Newman’s stylized meteors, planets, stars, and other cosmic phenomenon as well as the silly space creatures who long to be sorted into teams and the rockets that need reconstructing will entice kids to enlist their inner aerospace engineer for entertaining and skill-building play.
With games in varying levels of difficulty and engaging graphics, Lost in Space! (Flip and Find) is a sturdy board book for kids of all ages. Even adults will enjoy trying their hand at these intriguing puzzles. There’s plenty of repeat play in each mission to make this book a favorite go-to at home, in the classroom, or at daycare centers. Lost in Space! (Flip and Find) is also a reliable take-along book for outings or any time waiting is expected.
Ages 3+
Twirl, 2026 | ISBN 978-2408061821
About the Author
Ben Newman is a freelance illustrator and lecturer who created the Professor Astro Cat children’s books. He lives in Hastings, UK. Visit him at bennewman.co.uk.
You can purchase Lost in Space! (Flip and Find) from these booksellers
Pumpkins are everywhere right now, and rightly so! With Halloween fast approaching and Thanksgiving right around the corner, pumpkins are enjoying their time in the limelight. Pumpkins also contain a secret inside—tasty seeds! Today’s holiday celebrates these seeds, known as a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals, and other nutritional value. Pumpkin seeds, roasted and salted, provide a delicious snack on their own or a creative topping or ingredient for many dishes and baked treats. So while you’re carving a Jack-o-lantern for Halloween or making a pie for Thanksgiving, don’t forget to save some seeds for a fun family baking project and some to plant in next spring’s garden!
Thank you to Orchard Books for sending me this book for review!
Millie Fleur’s Pumpkin Problem
By Christy Mandin
As autumn comes to Garden Glen with its wilted flowers and dull colors, “the townsfolk’s joy seemed to wither.” But for Millie Fleur La Fae, fall is the best season of the year. This year she had a plan to reenergize Garden Glen with pumpkins. She ordered pumpkin seeds of all kinds and carefully planted one seed from each packet then “stored the extra seeds away” in Shed until next year. But while Millie Fleur was watering her seeds, Shed took off through the open gate and ran “scratching and strutting” through town.
While Ms. Prissypants chased Shed with her rake, his door opened and pumpkin seeds began spilling out. “As Shed bumbled and bumped his way through the town’s gardens, he left behind a trail of pumpkin seeds and Millie Fleur’s magic soil.” Soon, trailing vines began growing all over town, in yards, on roofs, even climbing down chimneys. And soon after that Garden Glen was covered in pumpkins of every size, shape, and color. The townspeople started cooking every recipe they knew, but the pumpkins kept coming.
Then Millie Fleur had the idea to open Garden Glen’s Ginormous Pumpkin Patch and hold a party. People came from all over to pick pumpkins and find all of the townspeople’s delicious treats. Every visitor even left with a free pumpkin. The day turned to night, and under the twinkling lights families were still stocking up on pumpkin treasures. And what about all those pumpkin vines? They became compost to help Garden Glen’s flowers blossom “brighter than ever” in the spring.
Christy Mandin ushers in the delights of the autumn season with her adorably quirky Millie Fleur La Fae whose plans to return color and vibrancy to Garden Glen runs amok thanks to Shed’s impromptu walkabout. As the town rallies to use the bounty of pumpkins and then embraces Millie Fleur’s idea for a region-wide party, readers feel a sense of camaraderie that charms and comforts like a warm pumpkin muffin. Mandin’s enchanting storytelling will captivate readers, and her descriptions of the variety of pumpkins will have kids searching for them at their local pumpkin patch or farm store.
Christy Mandin’s cozy illustrations are a balm for busy days. Kids will relish snuggling up to enjoy time with Millie as she plans her garden, giggling at Shed as he runs about on long chicken legs, and joining Garden Glen neighbors as they cook, can, and plan their pumpkin patch party. Mandin’s glimmering twilit farmers market welcomes leisurely looking, and children will be thrilled with the included stickers that will send them back through the pages to find each image.
Whether you’re already a Millie Fleur La Fae fan or just getting to know her, Millie Fleur’s Pumpkin Problem would be a much-loved addition to any library or home collection.
Ages 4 – 8
Orchard Books, 2026 | ISBN 979-8225041335
About the Author
Christy Mandin is the author and illustrator of multiple picture books, including Millie Fleur’s Poison Garden, Millie Fleur Saves the Night, and Millie Fleur’s Worst Day Ever (October 6, 2026). She’s grown many interesting plants in her garden over the years but, so far, none with teeth or tentacles. She currently lives in Georgia with her husband and four children. Visit Christy online at christymandin.com.
National Pumpkin Seed Day Activity
Acorn Pumpkins and Jack-O’-Lanterns
With acorns falling tap, tap, tap all around, and other delicious nuts readily available in grocery stores and farmers markets, autumn is the perfect time for this craft that turns nuts into pumpkins!
Supplies
Acorns or walnuts
Orange multi-surface acrylic craft paint or spray paint
Hold the acorn with the flat side down. The little tip will serve as the pumpkin’s stem.
Paint the acorn, leaving the just the tip brown, let dry
With the flat side down, draw a face on your “pumpkin.” Let dry
Use your little pumpkin in decorations around your house or make a tiny pumpkin patch in a box or jar lid with paper, sticks, leaves or other material
For Walnutsor Other Store-Bought Nuts
If you live in an area where there are no oak trees, you can use walnuts or other nuts available in grocery stores or elsewhere. These do not need to be baked before using.
Paint and decorate according to the above directions
You can purchase Millie Fleur’s Pumpkin Problem from these booksellers
We love animals, but do we take care of them the way we should? Today’s holiday came about as an expansion of World Animal Day, which is celebrated on October 4 every year and was established in 1925. The goal of World Animal Month is to promote global awareness of animals and the issues surrounding their welfare. From pets to domesticated animals to wild creatures, humans must protect and advocate for their companions and fellow travelers on this earth. Issues such as pollution, habitat destruction, and poaching threaten the world’s wide variety of species, while closer to home spaying and neutering controls the population of feral animals that often suffer from a lack of resources. The wildlife kingdom is majestic and awe-inspiring. There are many ways to celebrate the world’s animals this month: take a trip to a zoo, aquarium, or animal preserve, consider adopting a shelter animal, or donate your time or talents to your favorite animal cause.
Thanks to Eerdmans Books for Young Readers for sending me this book!
This Is How to Spot Animals!
By Aline Portman | Translated by Laura Watkinson
As soon as story opens, Bear puts the kibosh on making any sound as he searches through his binoculars for a red-breasted goose. He’s perched on a rock, thermos by his side, overlooking four smaller rocks. As Bear keeps his laser focus on the view ahead of him, though, behind him a bird swoops into view, and a squirrel scampers around the rock. Below him one of those small “rocks” has begun to move. Oblivious, Bear says, “But today we’re out of luck. There’s nothing to see here.” Kids will want to shout, “Look behind you!” But they’ve already been shushed, so . . .
Still, it’ll be impossible for them to stifle the giggles as Bear assures kids that while “spotting animals isn’t easy, [he’s] very, very good at it.” Because at the same time, the squirrel is carrying away Bear’s thermos, the bird takes its place and a rabbit pops up from its hole to see what’s happening. Even the snail has reached higher heights. Here, Bear begins a primer on “how it’s done.” Now those giggles will erupt into uncontainable laughter as a boar, a fox, and more birds join the fray, while Bear opines, “Never lose focus! If you do, you might miss something” while taking a quick snooze.
And when Bear does wake up? As the life-list red-breasted goose (indeed, an entire flock!) fly directly overhead, he’s spying something on the ground. When they come to earth, Bear’s looking skyward; and so it goes in the spirit of hilarious farce that young readers will howl at. These escalating antics are punctuated with Bear’s repeated refrain, “But today we’re out of luck. There’s nothing to see here.” Bear’s final piece of advice—to “use a good pair of binoculars”—leads to the ultimate irony that will elicit one last shout of help (and a laugh) from readers.
A game of “Did you spot these animals?” throughout the pages follows the story.
Starting off by adding the emphatic “This is” to the title (and even usurping author Aline Portman’s name on the cover), Bear takes authoritative possession of the action even as his obliviousness contradicts his claim of superior skill. Portman’s sly story employs clever text and hilarious illustrations that work in tandem while sporting surprises as well. Kids will gleefully accept Portman’s invitation to take lingering looks at every page and exuberantly refute Bear’s erroneous refrain.
A delightfully original story that invites uninhibited interaction and plenty of laughter, This Is How to Spot Animals! is a must for all library collections and will be an often-asked-for read aloud at home, in classrooms, and for any story time.
Ages 3 – 7
Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2026 | ISBN 978-0802856616
About the Author
Aline Portmanstarted writing this book on the tram, where she was surrounded by people looking at their phones and missing out on the world around them. She developed the idea into This Is How to Spot Animals! and illustrated it with pencils, soft pastels, and markers. This book is Aline’s English-language debut. She lives in Ghent, Belgium. Follow her on Instagram @alineportman.
About the Translator
Laura Watkinsontranslates books for children and adults from Dutch, German, and Italian. Her translations have received numerous honors, including three Mildred L. Batchelder Awards, two Mildred L. Batchelder Honors, and the Vondel Translation Prize. She is the founder of the Dutch chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SBCWI). Laura lives in Amsterdam. Visit her website at laurawatkinson.com.
You can purchase This Is How to Spot Animals! from these booksellers
October may be book lovers’ favorite month of the year! Why? It’s National Book Month! This holiday was established to get everyone excited about reading. As the weather turns cooler and more indoor activities take center stage, reading together becomes a wonderful way to spend time having fun and making memories. Children of all ages love being read to, and when older siblings read to younger brothers and sisters, they can bond over favorite stories and make each story time an event. Whether you’re reading board books, picture books, or novels with your kids, you’re making memories that will last a lifetime!
Thank you to Star Bright Books for sending me a copy of this book for review!
Flutter, Flap, Fly!
Written by Ellen Mayer | Illustrated by Estelle Corke
As Teo arrives at the playground, riding on his father’s shoulders, he spots two birds flying nearby. One is “‘. . . soaring. See how it is flying straight up into the sky?’ says Papi.” The other is “‘swooping . . . straight down very fast.'” Teo thinks it would be fun to soar and swoop too. Near the playground equipment, Teo and Papi watch a bird bathing in a puddle, and Teo giggles while imitating it. An older girl and boy in a tower on the play system notice and invite Teo to play with them, pretending to be birds in a tree. “‘Come fly with us. Flap, Flap!'”
Teo feels too small to climb high, so he perches on a lower level, where the girl and boy invite him to be their baby bird and peck for seeds. Soon Teo’s ready to hop up higher to their nest. Papi says, “‘Look at you three snuggling together. Snuggle! Snuggle! Snuggle!'” When Teo’s other father arrives, it’s time to go to the grocery store. Now, after playing with the older kids, Teo is ready to “‘leave the nest'” and “‘Flap [his] wings and fly. Teo is proud to show how he can “‘soar'” up the steps and “‘swoop'” down the slide!'”
A Note for Parents, Grandparents, and Caregivers by Dr. Kori Bardige, an Early Education Specialist, follows the text and coveys the positive effects that engaging children in frequent conversations, creative activities, and pretend play has on vocabulary growth and language skills. A You Can Do This Too! paragraph gives adults specific ways they can use this book as a springboard for play and learning as well as encouragement for “becoming a partner in learning” with their child.
Ellen Mayer’s cheerful and lively storytelling always brings a smile as her characters encourage and support each other to branch out of their comfort zone in their own time while engaging in playful activities that foster camaraderie and self-confidence. In her series of Small Talk Books®, Mayer’s dialogue-rich text models the types of conversations that adults can have with children to promote natural language learning and understanding. Her inclusion of the two older children demonstrates the important impact that older siblings and friend groups as well as adult caregivers can have on the socialization and language development of younger children.
Estelle Corke’s bright and expressive illustrations will captivate kids as they watch adorable Teo at the playground having fun pretending to be a bird with two new friends. Corke’s animated images of Teo and the other children fluttering, soaring, and swooping will inspire young readers to join in with their own pretend play. Kids will enjoy keeping an eye out for the birds flying, perching, and nesting throughout the pages.
Bursting with imagination and animated conversations that will pique kids’ inquisitive nature while nurturing their language development, Flutter, Flap, Fly! will enhance any library collection and would be a favorite for repeat reading at home and in the classroom.
Ages 3 – 6
Star Bright Books, 2026 | ISBN 978-1649091000
About the Author
Ellen Mayer is an award-winning children’s author who has worked as an education researcher and early literacy home visitor. Her Small Talk Books® series with Star Bright Books features diverse families in engaging stories that highlight two aspects of early childhood education with engaging stories: early language development and early math development. Titles in the series that focus on language development include board books Twinkle, Twinkle, Diaper You!, Red Socks, and A Fish to Feed, as well as picture books Cake Day and Rosa’s Very Big Job. See https://ellenmayerbooks.com/books/. Flutter, Flap, Fly! is her eleventh book with Star Bright Books. She lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts with her husband and their dog, Ellie. Visit her at ellenmayerbooks.com.
About the Illustrator
Estelle Corke spent much of her childhood drawing. Her passion for drawing led her to study graphic design in college and eventually found her way to children’s books. She enjoys traditional watercolor and gouache painting and regularly teaches watercolor classes to adult beginners. She lives in Wiltshire, England with her husband and Poppy, a little black and white dog. Visit her at estellecorke.com.
National Book Month Activity
Soar and Swoop! Wings Craft
Kids (and adults!) can set their imagination soaring while they flutter, flap, and . . . fly with this easy craft designed by young creator Elise B.! What kind of bird will you be?!
Supplies
Poster Board in any color
Twine, string, or ribbon
Feathers, leaves, flower petals, paper, markers or crayons, glitter, or other items to decorate wings
Streamers
Measuring tape
Pencil
Scissors
Hole Punch (optional)
Glue and tape
Directions
Measure child’s arm from finger tips to elbow and use this measurement for the long, top side of the wing
On the poster board, draw two wing shapes: use your child’s arm measurement for the long, top edge of the wing. From the right (or left) end of this line, draw a perpendicular line about 4 or 5 inches long. Then draw a curving, scalloped line from the bottom of the perpendicular line to the other end of the long, top edge of the wing.
Cut out two wings
Decorate the tops of the wings with markers or crayons or by gluing items to them
Attach streamers to the scalloped edge with glue or tape
With the hole punch or scissors, make two holes vertically along the short side, about 3 inches apart
With the hole punch or scissor, make two holes vertically near the tip of the wing, about 1 inch apart
Thread the twine, string, or ribbon through each sets of holes so that the two ends hang from the underside of the wing
To play, tie wings to arms and wrists with scalloped edge facing backwards
About Elise B.
Elise is 10 years old. She has two cats. When she’s not designing crafts for her grandmother’s books, she enjoys playing hockey, acting, and dancing. Her favorite birds are blue jays.
You can purchase Flutter, Flap, Fly! from these booksellers
Do you have friends you haven’t seen or talked to in a while? Is there a new person in your office or a new classmate at school who could use a friend to show them the ropes or eat lunch with? If so, this month’s holiday gives you the opportunity to reach out, say hello, and learn a bit about The holiday was instituted by the Oddfellows (shortened from The Grand United Order of Oddfellows Friendly Society (GUOOFS)), an international fraternity that dates back to 1730s England, with the hope of encouraging people to make friends. Friendship Month is a super time to show kindness to those friends you know and those you don’t—yet!
Thank you to Salaam Reads for sharing a digital copy of this book with me for review!
Our Favorite Day of the Week
Written by Ashley Franklin | Illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell
It’s Monday morning and Musa has just tied his shoes by himself for the first time. He’s excited to share the news with Zohra, his classmate and next door neighbor. Up until now, she was the only one in their class who could tie her shoes. But when they meet on the sidewalk, Musa can tell Zohra is distracted. She’s already thinking about tomorrow. Tuesday is her favorite day of the week because she always gets to wave at the sanitation workers, Mr. Joey and Mr. Brown, who call her a “‘superstar recycling sorter,'” but tonight she and her family are leaving on a trip.
Musa is empathetic. He says, “‘I’d feel sad if I missed my favorite day too.'” His favorite day is Wednesday, when his father takes him and his brother to swim class. After the lesson is over, “‘they always had the best of times splashing together.'” As Musa and Zohra continue through the neighborhood, they meet more of their classmates, who are excited to share stories about their favorite days. Zadie can’t wait for Grandma Day on Thursday. Every Thursday her grandmother picked her up from school and they did crafts—sewing, movie making, art projects—together all afternoon. In her room, everywhere she looked “‘she was reminded of all the fun they had had.'”
Mo wished every day could be Friday because “‘Shabbat dinner was the best of all dinners—of all meals, even!'” He recounts going to synagogue with his family, lighting candles, and having challah—”‘the best of all breads!'” “Everyone could see why Friday was Mo’s favorite.” When Zadie prompts Luna to tell them about her favorite day, she reveals that she looks forward to Saturday when she goes to the Chinese cultural center to learn Mandarin and about her culture. She offers to teach her classmates Chinese words at recess.
When the group arrives at school, they meet up with Moisés. The kids share their conversation, and Moisés offers that Sunday is his favorite day because after going to church, he goes to the park with his family and watches them play fútbol against other families. He can’t wait until he’s old enough to play soccer too. Soon, it’s time to enter the classroom and sit on the rug for circle time. Ms. Gupta starts off with the day of the week and a surprising admission that Monday is her favorite day of the week because she feels happy to see all her students again—a feeling that means she’s “‘doing something [she] loves with the people [she cares] about.'”
Back matter includes an interesting discussion on which day is considered the first day of the week around the world and information on which Roman or Norse god the days are named for.
Ashley Franklin’s charming story captures the sweet and serious cadence of conversations with and between young children. Her endearing cast of characters, each with their own distinct personality, shows pride and enthusiasm for family activities that make a certain day of the week their favorite. Franklin’s inclusion of the repeated refrain revealing that “everyone could see why” a particular day is a favorite for each friend, builds camaraderie among children and an awareness of their community. Readers will eagerly look forward to hearing each child’s story and sharing which day of the week is their favorite and why.
Rahele Jomepour Bell’s warm-toned illustrations immediately invite readers into this enchanting group of friends. Her delightful depictions of each child’s favorite activity immerse kids in the sights, sounds, and feelings generated in each place through realistic details that can inspire conversations at home or in the classroom.
Ages 4 – 8
Salaam Reads/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2026 | ISBN 978-1665935678
About the Author
Ashley Franklin is the author of Not Quite Snow White; “Creative Fixes” from the anthology Once Upon an Eid; “Situationally Broke” from the anthology What We Didn’t Expect; Better Together, Cinderella; The Masjid Kamal Loves; and more. Ashley received her master’s degree in English literature from the University of Delaware. She is an adjunct college instructor and proud mom. Ashley currently resides in Arkansas with her family. Visit her at ashleyfranklinwrites.com.
About the Illustrator
Rahele Jomepour Bell is an illustrator of several picture books, including Our Favorite Day of the Year by A. E. Ali on the Salaam Reads list. Rahele came to the United States from Iran in 2011 and pursued her dream of studying art at Iowa State University where she received her MFA in integrated visual arts. She believes all people share a common home in planet Earth, but may differ in their skin color, way of life, and their thinking. She loves these differences and believes this is what makes the world a beautiful place to live. Visit her at RaheleStudio.com.
You can purchase Our Favorite Day of the Week from these booksellers
Even though we’re saying goodbye to Read a New Book Month, families don’t have to stop seeking out new books at their local bookstore or library. In fact, fall, with its lead-in to the holidays is one of the busiest times of the year for publishers as they release wonderful books that share traditions and take readers through the winter in thoughtful, funny, and always surprising ways. Maybe that’s why December is also often recognized as Read a New Book Month! Really, there’s never a time when you don’t want to celebrate new books—like today’s!
Thank you to Greystone Books for sending me this book for review!
Bompa’s Intertidal Adventure (Nature Adventures with Bompa 2)
Written by David Suzuki and Sarika Cullis-Suzuki with Tanya Lloyd Kyi | Illustrated by Qin Leng
On the last day of summer, twins Nakina and Kaoru wait on the beach for Bompa, their grandfather, and one of his adventures. As soon as Bompa rides up on his new e-bike, Kaoru takes the lead to the intertidal zone, where low tide promises to reveal the secrets on “the bottom of the ocean.” He’s hoping to find some interesting animals to study with their scientist grandpa and extend summer, if only for just a bit. Kaoru and Nakina don’t have to wait long. Bompa is looking at a snail shell that suddenly “scuttles away.” The children hurry over to watch the hermit crab as Bompa explains about adaptations. The twins imagine themselves as hermit crabs, camping out or even carrying “fancy research labs inside [their] shells.”
Soon they come to a tidal pool where they find limpets and sculpins and a very loud plainfin midshipman under a rock, protecting its eggs. They discover different types of seaweed, and Bompa explains how seaweeds have adapted to stay rooted to the ocean floor so they aren’t swept away by the current. Bompa talks about how many of the creatures in the intertidal zone must adapt to the cyclical wet and dry conditions. Nakina wishes they could breath underwater to “explore a kelp forest.”
When Kaoru finds a discarded bottle in a tide pool, Bompa grows sad, thinking of what an amazing place the intertidal zone is. Nakina takes his hand and asks why. Bompa explains how “humans are changing the climate, and . . . putting more and more buildings along the shoreline and . . . polluting the oceans. Nakina worries that the animals won’t be able to adapt fast enough to the changes, and says, “‘We all need to learn how important [the intertidal zone] is.”
Listening, while watching “tiny crabs scuttle back and forth,” Kaoru adds that maybe it is people who “need to adapt.” He suggests that when they get back to school, he and Nakina can talk to their friends about the intertidal zone and join the school’s annual shoreline cleanup. The two children imagine all the ways they can help as they grow older. They can’t wait to get back home to share with their classmates everything they’ve seen and that Bompa has taught them.
Back matter includes a list of ways people can protect the intertidal zone, a Shoreline Search and Find puzzle using illustrations from the story, Intertidal Facts, and a close-up look and fact about some creatures in the story.
David Suzuki, Sarika Cullis-Suzuki, and Tanya Lloyd Kyi’s story reveals the wonder of intertidal zones, which are home to intriguing creatures who have adapted to take advantage of the best of their sometimes wet, sometimes dry home. As Kaoru and Nakina marvel over what they find, readers will share their excitement and interest. Bompa’s clear explanations of certain animals’ adaptations and behaviors will spur children at home and in the classroom to learn more about this special ocean zone and how they can protect it.
Qin Leng’s tranquil ink and watercolor illustrations beautifully covey the features of the intertidal zone along the edge of the ocean’s reach. Scattered driftwood, sea birds, crabs, shells, seaweed, and hidden creatures create a lovely true-to-life landscape for the children’s and Bompa’s explorations. As if peering into a mysterious treasure box, readers will be fascinated to discover what lies within the shallow tidal pools, under rocks, and hiding in crevices. Playful scenes at the beach as well as images of Kaoru and Nakina growing into advocates for ocean conservation give children an idea of how people can use all types of talents to help protect these vulnerable natural areas.
Bompa’s Intertidal Adventure is a gentle story with a profound impact, reminding readers of all ages of the uniqueness and importance of intertidal zones and the role they can play in preserving them. The book can spark lessons or projects for families, classrooms, and child-focused organizations and is a must for public and school libraries.
Ages 4 – 8
Greystone Kids, 2026 | ISBN 978-1778402531
About the Authors
David Suzuki is an internationally renowned scientist and environmentalist who has made it his life’s work to help humanity understand, appreciate, respect, and protect nature. He is the co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation and the author of more than fifty books. He lives in Vancouver, BC, and is a father of five and grandfather to ten, including twins Nakina and Kaoru. Connect with him and the David Suzuki Foundation at davidsuzuki.org.
Sarika Cullis-Suzuki is co-host of The Nature of Things on CBC. Her life’s work is dedicated to science, communication, and oceans. Her research in marine biology has taken her from the high seas, to remote tropical islands, to the coastal intertidal zones of British Columbia for her PhD, where she studied the singing fish, the plainfin midshipman. Visit her at sarikacullissuzuki.com.
Tanya Lloyd Kyi is the award-winning author of more than thirty books for children and young adults. Tanya lives in Vancouver, BC, where she teaches for the University of British Columbia’s School of Creative Writing. Visit her at tanyalloydkyi.com.
About the Illustrator
Qin Leng is a visual development artist and an illustrator and author of children’s books. Throughout her career, she has illustrated picture books, magazines, and book covers with publishers around the world. She lives in Toronto with her husband and her son. You can visit her at qinillustrations.com.
You can purchase Bompa’s Intertidal Adventure from these booksellers
National Guide Dog Month celebrates the extraordinary skills of guide dogs and the organizations, professionals, and volunteers involved in breeding, raising, and training them. The recognition also raises funds and awareness to support the work of guide dog schools across the country. The observance was created in 2009 by the late actor Dick Van Patten, best known for the television series Eight Is Enough and co-founder of pet food company Natural Balance. The holiday has long been supported by the Petco Foundation. Another focus of the holiday is to educate people on how to behave around working guide dogs and the access rights of handlers. To learn more about National Guide Dog Month, visit awarnessdays.com.
Thank you to Abrams Books for Young Readers for sending me this book for review!
Eltie Takes the Lead: A Guide Dog’s Tail
Written by Molly Burke with Elton John Burke| Illustrated by Ziyue Chen
Meet Eltie! As he describes himself, he’s “a big black dog with a tail as fluffy as a feather duster” that never stops wagging; “warm brown eyes like gooey chocolate chips,” a white patch of fur on his chest shaped like a heart; and “a very important job.” He teases some possibilities before revealing that he is a service dog for Molly, who is blind and able to see “only light and dark.” Eltie explains that Molly reads braille with her fingers instead of words with her eyes—and provides a sample for children to try.
Eltie proudly tells readers that he went to school for two years to learn special skills before earning the title of Guide Dog. He then invites readers along as he and Molly walk through a park, into the city, and finally to school, pointing out ways he helps Molly avoid bumping into things, find a place to sit when she needs a break, cross the street, and make her way up stairs. While Molly participates in class, Eltie naps, then it’s time to help her navigate the lunch room, recess, and the trip back home. During the day, he even gets time to be “off the clock” and have fun, get cuddles, and roll in the grass like non-working dogs. Eltie dreams about what he and Molly—”the perfect team”—will do the next day, when, once again, he’ll “be ready to take the lead.”
Molly Burke introduces children to the life of a guide dog through Eltie, whose effervescent personality draws children into the professional and playful relationship between Molly and her companion. Burke’s buoyant storytelling shines with humor, pride, and the dedication of a reliable friend and helper. As readers learn about the education guide dogs undergo, the number of tasks they’re trained to do, and even the discipline they acquire to disregard some natural instincts while working, they will gain an in-depth understanding of the intelligence of these service dogs as well as how crucial they are to helping those who are blind enjoy independence.
Burke’s remarkable biographical book goes beyond her story, however, to include tactile elements that allow readers to feel Eltie’s shaggy coat, see the type of light-and-dark shadowy vision Molly has, and read a passage of the text in braille. Children and adults will want to linger over this braille paragraph and compare it to the printed text on the facing page to pick out individual letters, study word patterns, and feel the dots under their fingertips.
Ziyue Chen’s bright and joyful illustrations allow children to spend a day with Molly and Eltie as they navigate the city, attend school, and enjoy well-deserved playtimes. Eltie is adorable, eager, and alert to Molly’s needs—watching for cars, aware of doors and stairs, and always looking ahead to keep Molly safe. Eltie’s frisky nature is depicted in amusing suggestions of other jobs he might do before revealing himself as a service dog.
Uplifting and educational, Eltie Takes the Lead: A Guide Dog’s Tail is a singular book that will appeal to all dog lovers and those fascinated by animal-human teamwork. The book is a must for all public and school libraries and would be a favorite for classroom and home story times.
Ages 4 – 7
Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2026 | ISBN 978-1419778230
About the Author
Molly Burke is a blind public speaker, content creator, consultant, model, and author. With more than five million followers across social media, she uses her platform to advocate for greater inclusivity and representation at every touchpoint, uplifting and empowering others. Molly is a Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient who has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, People, Paper, Forbes, Adweek, Teen Vogue, and Allure and appeared on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah and Today. She is based in Los Angeles. Visit her at mollyburkeofficial.com.
About the Illustrator
Raised on Sunny Island (Singapore), Ziyue Chen, aka Angeline, lives with her husband, Zw, and her two darling children. Dabbling in art was her form of escape from the struggles and confusion of growing up deaf. This led her to discover the beauty of how the art communicates with the viewer. Her life goal has been to have an emotional connection with those who view her work. She enjoys visualizing stories through illustrations, working on mostly children’s books. Visit her at ziyuechen.com.
National Guide Dog Month Activity
Guide Dogs for the Blind Activity Pack
Kids can have fun while learning about the training and work of guide dogs with the puzzles and activities provided by Guide Dogs for the Blind, one of the largest guide dog schools in the world. In this Activity Pack, children will find instructions on making an origami puppy, a page where they can decode a braille message, a coloring page, a word search puzzle, a crossword puzzle, and a word scramble. Answers are included. To learn more visit guidedogs.com.
