November 13 – Children’s Book Week

About the Holiday

Children’s Book Week is the longest-running national literacy program in the United States, going back to 1919. The date of the celebration bounced around a bit, between November and May before becoming a twice-a-year event in November and May in 2018. Organized by Every Child a Reader, Children Book Week’s theme for 2026 is “Books: Get Curious.” This theme celebrates the “vast, collective ocean populated by the stories we read, share, and tell.” To learn more about this literary holiday, visit Every Child a Reader to find out more about the week and discover lots of resources, including bookmarks and coloring pages to download, the official jingle, and fun facts. Plus learn how you can join the Curiosity Book Club!

Thank you to Eerdman’s Books for Young Readers for sending me this book for review!

The Adventures of Odysseus: A Graphic Novel of The Odyssey

By Nicolás Schuff | Illustrated by Mariana Ruiz Johnson | Translated by Lawrence Schimel

Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey, dating back to 750 – 700 BC has it all—fearsome monsters, powerful gods, spine-chilling danger, trickery, a brave hero, and a love story for the ages. The roots of this oral story have influenced culture, literature, and movies throughout history and still to this day. The Odyssey is a work that richly rewards reading, which is why the graphic novel The Adventures of Odysseus is such an exciting addition to literature for young readers.

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Mariana Ruiz Johnson. Text copyright © 2026 by Nicolás Schuff. Translation copyright © 2026 by Lawrence Schimel. Published by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers.

Like a theater playbill, the book opens with profiles of the main characters from Ithaca—including Odysseus, his wife Penelope, and their son Telemachus—and from other islands Odysseus encounters on his long journey home—including the Sirens, Polyphemus, Circe, the ravenous six-headed Scylla, and the vengeful Poseidon. Children are then given a quick, but well-orienting introduction to the Trojan War and Odysseus’s role in it before the story of his long return trip begins.

With smooth and lyrical storytelling that combines exposition and dialog that echo the oral traditions of the original, Nicolás Schuff—with translation from Spanish by Lawrence Schimel—sets sail, bringing rapt readers along for this enthralling voyage. Children won’t soon forget their trip to the land of the lotus eaters, and Odysseus’s clever defeat of the one-eyed, man-eating Cyclops will keep them watching out for other dangers to come. They’ll meet Circe, who turns Odysseus’s men into pigs (and back again) before becoming a valued friend.

To discover the way back home, Odysseus must descend into Hades, where he learns news of home from his mother and meets Achilles. As with all of Odysseus’s exploits, this journey is fraught with strange perils that bring him good fortune and misfortune. But even after reaching Ithaca, his homeland, Odysseus is faced with perhaps the most crucial fight of his life. Young readers will be held in suspense as Odysseus’s ultimate fate plays out.

Nicolás Schuff’s scintillating adaptation of The Odyssey, captures readers’ imagination from the first page and doesn’t let go, inviting the kinds of imaginative thinking, emotional connections, and recognition of human truths that great literature invokes. Schuff’s exemplary treatment of this influential work is sure to elicit an interest in learning more about this classic story, the Greek gods who intervened and interfered, and ancient Greek culture.

Through her mixed-media illustrations that replicate the style of ancient Greek art, Mariana Ruiz Johnson imbues the pages with astounding passion, exuberance, tenderness, ferocity, and eeriness, while weaving through it all the thread of the undying love among Odysseus, Penelope, and Telemachus. Each page is a masterwork that readers of all ages will avidly explore to catch each detail.

Lawrence Schimel’s deft translation delivers all of the twists and turns of plot and readers’ emotions that make this story so compelling. The tone and impact of the story never wavers from its mission to reveal Odysseus’s epic life.

An enthralling book for older readers to enjoy on their own or as a read-aloud for the whole family, The Adventures of Odysseus: A Graphic Novel of The Odyssey, is a must for every library and home bookshelf. Its riveting combination of storytelling and art also makes it a wonderful gift for readers of any age.

Ages 9 – 14+

Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2026 | ISBN 978-0802856630

About the Author

Nicolás Schuff is an Argentinian author of many books for children, including The Adventures of Odysseus: A Graphic Novel of The Odyssey, which received a starred review from Kirkus and was selected as a Kirkus notable fall release. The picture book How to Reach the Moon, his English-language debut, received a starred review from Horn Book Magazine, and its Spanish edition was named to the New York Public Library Best Books in Spanish list. He lives in Buenos Aires. Follow him on Instagram @pajarofantasma.

About the Illustrator

Mariana Ruiz Johnson has created or co-created over a dozen books for children, including The Adventures of Odysseus, The Book that Kibo Wrote, Xolo, and Run, Little Chaski! Her titles have received numerous starred reviews and have been published in North America, South America, Asia, and Europe. Mariana lives in Argentina, where she teaches illustration at the University of Buenos Aires. Follow her on Instagram @marianaruizjohnson.

About the Translator

Lawrence Schimel has written or translated over 300 books, including The Adventures of Odysseus, 9 Kilometers, and the Batchelder Honor Book Different. He is also the translator of Nicolás Schuff and Ana Sender’s How to Reach the Moon and of Mariana Ruiz Johnson’s The Book that Kibo Wrote. Lawrence’s works have received many awards, including three PEN Translates Awards, two SCBWI Crystal Kite Awards, and two Américas Award Honors. Lawrence lives in Madrid, Spain. Follow him on Bluesky @lawrenceschimel.bksy.social.

Children’s Book Week Activity

“Books: Get Curious” Children’s Book Week Poster Coloring Page

Create your own “Books: Get Curious” poster with this Children’s Book Week Coloring Page, where you can list your favorite books! Check out the full-color “Books: Get Curious” poster by author and illustrator Grace Lin! Are books you love included in her stacks?

You can purchase The Adventures of Odysseus: A Graphic Novel of The Odyssey from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

November 10 – National Young Readers Week

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

National Young Readers Week was established in 1989 by Pizza Hut and the Center for the Book, which is part of the Library of Congress. the holiday centers on raising awareness of the importance of reading. One inspiring statistic about the impact of reading is that children learn between 4,000 and 12,000 words each year just by reading—no matter which kinds of books are their favorites! When families get involved in fostering a love of reading at home, kids grow up with an excitement to learn and an activity they can do anywhere and that will follow them throughout their life.

There are many fantastic ways to help your kids develop an affinity for reading, including taking regular trips to your library, allowing kids to pick out their own books, setting aside special times during the day to read together, and setting up a library in your own home to show how important books are to you. You can also follow your favorite authors and illustrators on social media to connect with special activities to download, tutorials, updates on new books, and lots more.

Thank you to Orchard Books for sending me a copy of this book for review!

My Super Duper Me

Written by Malcolm Mitchell | Illustrated by Deise Lino

Theo’s the new kid in school—a situation that’s “quite a doozy. You know?” He always eats alone and somehow ends up at the back of every line. And that’s not all. Theo doesn’t have any friends, isn’t a star on the playground, and math and reading? Not so great. Not only that: he’s “as short as a hiccup at a giggle party.” It’s tough always wondering if he’ll ever be noticed, ever fit in.

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Deise Lino. Text copyright © 2026 by Malcolm Mitchell. Published by Orchard Books copyright © 2026.

Then, in the school library, there’s a new librarian—Mr. Burton. You might think he’d have the same difficulties as Theo, but right away he’s popular with everyone. Theo also notices that Mr. Burton is always carrying a book. One day when Mr. Burton finds Theo “hiding outside the lunchroom,” he invites Theo into the library, only he calls it the “‘Treasure Trove of Knowledge.'” Theo’s impressed with all of the books and with Mr. Burton. When Theo asks Mr. Burton “why he never seems afraid,” the librarian points to books—all kinds of books—that can explain, show, and tell stories about anything and everything you’d like to be.

Mr. Burton pulls a book from a shelf and begins to read. The pages are full of quotes about being brave and strong. He even makes a deal with Theo. Every day he will write a quote on a card and attach it to the hall bulletin board. On the table beneath, he’ll leave the book open to where the quote is written in case Theo wants to read more. Every day, Theo finds a quote that pertains to him. He begins to feel seen. At the end of the week, the quote reveals something Theo has never thought about before. It talks about taking small steps and believing in yourself.

Suddenly, Theo feels uplifted, and with each new quote and search through the books Mr. Burton leaves, he doesn’t realize that he’s reading. One day, the board has a message from Mr. Burton that shows how much he understands. “Those words feel like a warm hug,” and Theo is ready to see that, as Mr. Burton says, “‘it’s not just about what others see in you; it’s about what you see in yourself.'” The next day, Theo is ready to introduce himself and begin making new friends. He’s ready to start writing his own story.

A powerful and inspiring note from literacy crusader and Super Bowl champion Malcolm Mitchell about his own life and relationship to books follows the story.

Malcolm Mitchell has immediate rapport with children as Theo honestly explains his experiences and feelings of not fitting in as a new student and how Mr. Burton’s recognition, active support, and advocacy for reading transformed his self-confidence and self-esteem. Mitchell’s first-person storytelling puts readers right next to Theo—welcoming them to also read aloud—as he interacts with Mr. Burton and the quotes left on the bulletin board. His excellent pacing, which mimics a realistic dawning of understanding, gives children the space and time to think about the important concepts he explores. Mitchell also emphasizes the importance of adult role models who offer thoughtful and personalized help to each child.

Children will find a lot to love and identify with in Deise Lino’s vivid illustrations. As the other students play together and eat lunch together, Theo’s trepidation to join in or find his place is clearly and sympathetically drawn as are other issues that Theo struggles with. When Mr. Burton bursts onto the scene with his obvious love of books, readers will be excited to join Theo in learning how trying a wide range of books and finding favorites can change the course of one’s life. Deise’s dynamic typography highlighting uplifting quotes and words begs to be read aloud. Theo’s transformation to a confident, happy, and included kid will inspire readers.

A high-impact and uplifting story about the power of books and literacy to transform children’s self-confidence and lives, My Super Duper Me is a must for all library, classroom, and home collections.

Ages 4 – 8

Orchard Books, 2026 | ISBN 978-1338225334

About the Author

Malcolm Mitchell is a Super Bowl champion, literacy crusader, and the author of several acclaimed books for young readers, including The Magician’s Hat, illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff, and My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World, illustrated by Michael Robertson, winner of the Judy Newman Book Award. Malcolm is the founder of an initiative called Read with Malcolm, which introduces book ownership to students and works to improve literacy in schools. Malcolm’s Share the Magic Foundation promotes the benefits of reading to transform lives. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife and two children. To learn more, visit him at malcolmmitchell.com.

About the Illustrator

Deise Lino is the illustrator of several picture books, including Abuelo’s Flower Shop by Jackie Morera, Future Hero: Battle for Sky Kingdom by Remi Blackwood, and Luna Wolf 2: Code Danger by Alesha Dixon. She holds bachelor’s degrees in digital design and animation film and lives in Lisbon, Portugal. To learn more, visit deiselino.com.

National Young Readers Week Activity

My Super Duper Me Activity Page

Kids can join Theo in choosing words and phrases that define how they are Super Duper with this My Super Duper Me Activity Page.

You can purchase My Super Duper Me from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

November 9 – Dear Santa Letter Week

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

For kids who celebrate Christmas, writing a letter to Santa Claus is an exciting and hopeful activity. Their lists of things they’d like for themselves and often for family and friends, too, can include the practical, the impossible, and the poignant. Today’s holiday reminds children that to make sure their letter reaches Santa at the North Pole in time, it’s best to get started this week. Two programs sponsored by the United States Postal System also address the wishes of children at this time of year:

1) Operation Santa welcomes letters from children and individuals in need, which are adopted by generous people and organizations for fulfillment on their own or from an online gift catalog. Letters are currently being accepted with a deadline of December 5. Registration for becoming an adopter is open now, with letter adoption beginning November 16. For more information, visit the USPS Operation Santa website.

2) Parents who would like for their child to receive a reply to their letter to Santa postmarked from the North Pole can visit the USPS Greetings from the North Pole website to learn how parents, grandparents, or other adults can write “Santa’s” personalized reply letter, address an envelope, and send these, along with their child’s letter, to the North Pole Postmark program in Anchorage, Alaska. Letters are recommended to be sent between November 23 and December 1.

Letters to Santa

Written by Cathy Breisacher | Illustrated by Hannah Battermann

At this time of year, the North Pole is bustling as elves make toys and the reindeer are trained. While Santa loves all this excitement, his “favorite thing to do / Is read the mail delivered by / The Postal Office crew.” Amid Christmas carols, twinkling lights, and special holiday treats, kids around the world are dreaming big and writing to Santa to “share what’s in their hearts.” From Western Cape, South Africa Jabari writes to Father Christmas asking for a “‘model car or boat,'” while Marcelo from Brazil wishes Papai Noel and his elves well before asking for new books.

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Hannah Battermann. Text copyright © 2026 by Cathy Breisacher. Published by Reycraft Books copyright © 2026.

In Germany, Emma pens a wistful note to Weihnachtsmann: “‘I think I’m on your Good Kid list / I’ve helped my baby brother / So could I have a teddy bear / and perfume for my mother?'” Clayton, from Memphis, Tennessee, is also thinking of someone else during a lean Christmas, telling Santa Claus, “‘My dad is in the Army / He is stationed overseas. / My Gram may need a little help / With buying groceries.'” These kids are joined by children from Canada, Italy, Japan, and other countries in sending their wishes to the North Pole, where Postal elves wait at the train station to gather and sort the letters before taking them to Santa.

“‘Ho Ho Ho!'” Santa cheers as he reads each letter and loads the gifts onto his sleigh to deliver Christmas Eve. On Christmas morning, happy children “shout their thanks to dear St. Nick / For treating them so well.”

A glossary of words for “thank-you” in a variety of languages, including pronunciation, follows the story.

Cathy Breisacher’s jaunty Christmas story celebrates the hopeful excitement and generosity of the season as children from around the world ask Santa for gifts—both playful and practical— for themselves and for others that they love. Readers will be delighted to learn the different names Santa is known by in a variety of countries through Breisacher’s lovely rhymes. The warmth of each child’s request poignantly emphasizes the heart behind this beloved holiday tradition

Hannah Battermann’s enchanting folk-style illustrations will charm readers with their fresh wintery colors, whimsical landscapes, and an imaginative mix of solid and delicately outlined images. Her adorable children share expressions of hope and earnestness as they write to Santa Claus and invite readers to join them. Each page is sweetly decorated with details that will captivate young readers.

A beautiful ode to the spirit of Christmas around the world, Letters to Santa would be a charming addition to any library collection and home bookshelf to share the excitement of pre-Christmas preparations.

Ages 5 – 9

Reycraft Books, 2026 | ISBN 978-1478891888

About the Author

Cathy Breisacher is an elementary school librarian who believes stories help connect children around the world. She enjoys writing books that inspire, entertain, and capture children’s imagination. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, who worked as a mail carrier and handled many letters to Santa. Visit her at cathybreisacher.com.

About the Illustrator

Hannah Batterman is an illustrator and graphic designer from Düsseldorf, Germany. From her studio, she blends handcrafted paper collages with digital art to bring playful and heartfelt children’s stories to life. Each piece is filled with charming details—whether it’s the flutter of a leaf, a curious glance, or the hidden magic of a paper cutout—capturing the wonder of childhood. She has contributed to several books.

Dear Santa Letter Week Activity

Dear Santa Letter Page

It’s time to write a letter to Santa! Have fun coloring this printable template then use it for your letter or wish list!

Santa Letter Page

You can purchase Letters to Santa from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

November 4 – National Stress Awareness Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

National Stress Awareness Day was established in 1998 by Caroline Spiers, the chairperson of the International Stress Management Association (ISMA). ISMA promotes knowledge about stress and helps people recognize, manage, and reduce stress in their personal and professional lives. The first Wednesday of November was chosen as this holiday’s date as Wednesday is typically seen as the most exhausting and stressful day of the week. The day encourages people to “take a deep breath and embrace peace.” Children also feel stress and learning ways to decompress and lesson those feelings now can lead to a happier and healthier life. Today’s book can help families get blasting in the right direction.

Thank you to Margaret K. McElderry Books for sharing a digital copy of this book with me for review!

I Need Space

Written by Molly Harris | Illustrated by Jon Corby

For Rocco the rocket ship, outer space was like “one gigantic playground.” He loved swinging from satellites and sliding along Saturn’s rings. “It was all a blast” until the “hoggers,” “line-cutters,” and “toy-stealers” showed up. Even moving farther away didn’t help when the rough-housing meteors crashed through, knocking Rocky here and there and into space debris. Rocky just wanted some space.

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Jon Corby. Text copyright © 2026 by Molly Harris. Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books copyright © 2026.

Rocco and his friend zipped off to the edge of the solar system, where it was quiet and peaceful—”all the things he needed to cool his jets and refill his tank.” Here he could appreciate the universe and his place in it “in a whole new way.” Back home, Rocco retrieved his toys and kept a comfortable distance from the meteors while playing hide and seek—his favorite game.

Back matter includes a few fascinating facts about space and a list of techniques that can help kids recharge or recover when big feelings become overwhelming.

In Molly Harris’s pun-filled, metaphorical story, Rocco’s experiences with more rowdy playmates, his escape to a calmer quadrant of space, and his return with a new perspective, renewed patience, and ideas for games he’ll enjoy opens many avenues for children and adults to talk about emotions, different personality types, and how to tend to self-care when feeling overwhelmed. The book also offers the opportunity to for discussions on friendship, playing fairly, and being aware of others’ feelings. Harris’s fun, fast-paced storytelling is entertaining, with examples children will readily recognize and a supportive relationship between Rocco and his alien friend.

Jon Corby’s adorable characters and brilliant color palette make I Need Space a visual treat that immediately captures readers’ attention and puts them squarely in Rocco’s corner. As Rocco comes to the end of his tether after being bumped and tossed by the meteors, Corby draws him in closeup, straining against the sides of the page in a burning red swirl. In a moment he shoots himself into deep, black space, where he feels most at home. Crosby presents relatable scenes that cause Rocco stress, as well as a magical view of space that children will love to linger over.

Comforting, reassuring, and fun, I Need Space twinkles with personality and practical help for stressful situations. It would be a go-to book on home bookshelves and is highly recommended for all library collections.

Ages 4 – 8

Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2026 | ISBN 978-1665980579

About the Author

Molly Harris is the author of picture books The Big Squeeze, Whirby, and I Need Space. She is a technical writer by trade who enjoys world traveling and working on too many projects at once. Originally from Massachusetts, she now lives in Ireland with her husband and two sons. Visit her at MollyHarrisBooks.com.

About the Illustrator

Jon Corby is an illustrator and children’s book designer. He earned his BFA in illustration from Syracuse University and is currently based in Pennsylvania. I Need Space is his debut picture book. Learn more about his work at JonCorbyArt.com.

National Stress Awareness Day Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-mind-jar

Starry Mindfulness Jar

You can capture the beauty of starry space with this easy craft perfect for calming contemplation.

Supplies

Small to medium mason jar or other decorative jar with a tight lid
White glitter glue,
Light blue glitter glue,
Fine white and/or blue glitter
Large white and/or blue glitter
Warm water

Directions

1.For every 1/2 cup of warm water add:

1 1/2 teaspoons white glitter glue
1/2 teaspoon blue glitter glue
2 teaspoons fine glitter glue
1/2 teaspoon large glitter

2. Close lid tightly

3. Shake

4. As glue dissolves, the liquid will become clearer and the glitter will remain suspended in it

You can purchase I Need Space from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

November 2 – Look for Circles Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Today is one of those days that gets you really observing the world in a new way. As you go about your day at the office, at school, at shops, or just while driving here and there, be aware of all the different circles you see. Sure, there are the obvious ones—the tires on your car, the signals on a stoplight, the lid of your water bottle or coffee cup . . . but how about all the less-seen circles? Knots on trees, a lemon slice, the center of a flower, the ripple of a raindrop or pebble dropped in a puddle. Whether you look for circles through the eye of geometry or the eye of art, be fully aware of the shapes around you!

Thank you to Ten Speed Young Readers for sending me this book for review!

The Little Polka Dot

By Cassandra Berger

A pattern of polka dots did everything together. Sometimes they all changed color at the very same moment. Sometimes they got bigger or smaller. Everyone was happy. “Except for Little Polka” who had trouble keeping up and felt like he just didn’t belong. He decided to try living on his own. Being alone opened many possibilities: “‘. . . if I could do anything, BE anything, what would I be?'” he asked himself. He closed his eyes and thought about what made him happiest—what made him . . . him.

Suddenly, he grew an appendage! Then . . . Pop! Pop! Pop, pop, pop! He grew some more! They were petals! Yellow petals! And suddenly he “felt just right.” When the other polka dots saw Little Polk Dot, they were astounded. Little Polka Dot explained what happened, telling them, “‘I thought really hard about who I am. And I became . . . myself!'” Inspired, the other polka dots decided to try it themselves. Soon . . . Pop! Pop! Pop, pop, pop! The pattern disappeared . . . and each dot became wondrously uniquely “themselves!”

Cassandra Berger’s sweet story offering thoughtful and uncomplicated assurance about finding and being yourself will make readers smile—and get talking—every time it’s read. The confidence and bravery of Berger’s little hero, who bucks ever-changing popular trends to discover what makes him truly happy, is applicable in so many situations from small friend groups to classrooms to the crushing conformity of social media. Berger’s storytelling is charmingly straightforward as Little Polka Dot asks himself the big questions of life and later leads his fellow polka dots to the secret to happiness.

Underlying Berger’s deceptively simple illustrations are complex questions about the nature of individuality, personality, independent thought, and contemplation. The story begins with several two-page spreads crowded with nearly identical polka dots, while outlier Little Polka Dot is pushed to the margins. Once Little Polka Dot decides to leave the pattern, however, he appears alone in the center of a completely white page—an image that feels like an oasis of calm amid cacophany. The following pages also suggest the idea of giving kids (and anyone) the space and time to think on their own about themselves and the lives they want to lead. When Little Polka is reunited with the others, readers will enthusiastically watch and react as they change, grow, and become who they’re meant to be.

An ingenious and joyful story about becoming and being your true self that kids and adults will love to share again and again, The Little Polka Dot will spark conversations and activities for classrooms and children’s programs as well as at home and is a must for all library collections. The book would make a wonderful gift for children, parents, grandparents, and teachers.

Ages 3 – 7+

Ten Speed Young Readers, 2026 | ISBN 978-0593839065

About the Author

Cassandra Berger is an author and illustrator. She graduated from Pratt Institute with a degree in Illustration and a love for Brooklyn. She then discovered the wonderful world of animation and began a long career in kids media designing on award-winning shows and show development. Cassandra now teaches Character Design at her alma mater. Originally from Massachusetts, she resides in New York with her family who are her constant source of love, belly laughs, and crumbs. Visit her at cassandraberger.com.

Look for Circles Day Activity

The Little Polka Dot Teachers Activity Guide from Ten Speed Young Readers

Teachers, homeschoolers, parents, and other adults will find eight exciting and fun activities for kids to do that celebrate their unique qualities along with Little Polka Dot and his friends in this The Little Polka Dot Teachers Guide! You can download it from the Penguin Random House/Ten Speed Young Readers’ website!

You can purchase The Little Polka Dot from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

November 1 – National Author’s Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

For readers, there may be no better holiday than Author’s Day! Today, we celebrate all authors who imagine new fictional worlds and characters for us to discover, educate us on endless topics through fascinating nonfiction, scare us, make us laugh or cry, and bring us new perspectives through poetry. Today’s holiday was instituted in 1928 by Nellie Verne Burt McPherson, president of the Bement, Illinois Women’s Club. An avid reader, she established Author’s Day to thank writer Irving Bacheller—author of 31 novels and founder of the first modern newspaper syndicate—who sent her an autographed story in response to her fan letter. The day was officially recognized in 1949 by the United States Department of Commerce. To honor the spirit and founding of the holiday, people are encouraged to write a note of appreciation to their favorite author!

Thank you to Scolastic for sending me this book for review!

Layla the Water Lily Dragon (Dragon Girls #21)

Written by Maddy Mara | Illustrated by Paige McMorrow

Layla, Selena, and Charlotte were just about to pick ingredients for bath bombs at their favorite store when Layla heard the Magic Forest calling her. Soon, she was flying toward this magical destination. Upon arrival, Layla turned into a Water Lily Dragon and was met by colorful flowers and plants laden with fruit. But “something felt wrong.” Suddenly, Layla realized that the flowers had no scent, and the fruit was tasteless. Just then, an unusual creature approached. It looked like an axolotl, but with wings. It introduced itself as a MAX-olotl named Maxi. From Maxi, Layla learned that Sucker Bugs were stealing all the smells in the forest with their long noses. Layla had to see the Tree Queen at once.

On the way, Layla was engulfed in a cloud of Sucker Bugs stabbing her with their “long, straw-like stingers.” When she roared, the bugs swarmed into the air and stole her roar’s water lily perfume, which left Layla feeling woozy. Once in the Tree Queen’s glade, Layla saw that Charlotte and Selena were already there. The Tree Queen explained that the Fury Queen’s plan to steal smells was wreaking havoc throughout the forest as animals couldn’t find food, track scents, or “smell when danger was approaching.”

The Tree Queen then gave the girls their first mission: to make a bravery potion. They needed to make only a small amount, she said because bravery in others “‘quickly spreads.'” It was up to the Dragon Girls to discover the ingredients and create the potion. The Tree Queen pointed them in the direction of Perfume Pond, and they took to the sky. Their adventure had begun! The Dragon Girls’ quest would take them from the powerful Perfume Pond to the Fury Queen’s secret lab.

Along the way they met Lily, a protector living in the pond; worked as a team to outsmart the Sucker Bugs; and unwittingly fell into the Fury Queen’s trap. When the Fury Queen imprisons Layla in her factory—where she’s using the forest’s smells to make a weapon to destroy the Tree Queen—and steals the scent of her roar to make the weapon more powerful, it’s up to Selena and Charlotte to get inside, defeat the vicious guard plants, and free their friend.

With time running out and obstacles stacking up, can the Dragon Girls escape the factory, make it back to the Tree Queen’s glade, and restore the forest’s scents before the Fury Queen changes the Magic Forest forever?

Maddy Mara’s latest Dragon Girls book, the third and final adventure in the Flower Dragons series, offers nonstop action with thoughtful messages about the fragility of the environment. Reminders about the power of friendship, community, and bravery are also woven into this quickly-paced tale. The unbreakable bond among the three girls is a highlight of the story as they overcome setbacks and danger to save the Magic Forest. As in all of the Maddy Mara’s stories, the characters’ dialogue, individual strengths, and mutual support ring true, keeping readers absorbed in the story from beginning to end.

Paige McMarrow’s black-and-white illustrations bring to life dramatic key scenes in each chapter, giving readers a peek at the Magic Forest, the Perfume Pond, various characters, and the Dragon Girls, themselves, while leaving plenty of room for each child’s imagination to lend a personal experience to their reading.

Ages 7 – 10

Scholastic, 2026 | ISBN 979-8225018368

About the Authors

Maddy Mara is the pen name of Australian creative duo Hilary Rogers and Meredith Badger. Hilary is a writer and former publisher; Meredith is a writer and teaches English as a second language. Together they have written or created many bestselling series for kids, including Dragon Girls, Dragon Games, and Forever Fairies. Dragon Girls has over 1.5 million copies in print and is available in multiple countries and languages. They live on the lands of the Wurundjeri and Bunurong people in Melbourne, Australia. Their website is maddymara.com.

National Author’s Day Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-reading-bug-book-plate

Catch the Reading Bug Bookmark and Bookplate

If you love to read, show it with these printable Reading Bug book accessories!

I’ve Got the Reading Bug Bookmark | I’ve Got the Reading Bug Bookplate | I’ve Got the Reading Bug! Books to Buy

You can purchase Layla the Water Lily Dragon (Dragon Girls #21) from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

October 29 – Bat Appreciation Week & Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

It makes sense that October—with its focus on all things spooky and nocturnal—hosts Bat Appreciation Week and Bat Appreciation Month. We don’t celebrate bats this month just because they fit Halloween themes, though. Bats are cool every day of the year! Why? Scientists estimate there are 1,300 species of bats, most of which are beneficial for the areas where they live. Some bats are awesome at keeping the insect population under control. Fruit bats help distribute seeds, and other bats eat pollen, helping to pollinate foods, including bananas, guava, and agave. This month learn more about these fascinating creatures and enjoy a newest adventure of Bitsy Bat in this third book in the series!

Thank you to Beach Lane for sending me this book for review!

Bitsy Bat, Snow Star (The Bitsy Bat Series)

By Kaz Windness

Bitsy Bat’s family woke up to an unusual surprise. Winter snow had come early—even before she, mama, papa, and baby bat could begin hibernating. Mama took this as a sign that the long winter snooze should begin, but Bitsy wanted to go to school. When Bitsy’s friends, Benjamin and Winnie, stopped by to pick her up (even bringing her a “cute snow outfit”), Mama relented.

At school, to celebrate the early snow, Bitsy’s teacher Mr. Nibbles announced that instead of lessons, they’d “all enjoy the snow together.” Everyone wanted to make snow angels, and Bitsy was eager to learn how. But after she plopped into the snow and moved her wings up and down, she shivered and hoped the other activities would be more fun. But Bitsy didn’t enjoy sledding, making a snowman, or the snowball fight afterwards, either. She didn’t like being wet and cold. In fact, Bitsy decided she didn’t like snow at all. As he flew back to the classroom, she worried that she’d lose her friends if they found out.

Noticing how miserable Bitsy seemed, Mr. Nibbles took her to the reading nook to warm up. There, she found Mo and Enzo. When Bitsy asked if they didn’t like snow either, they both said they loved the snow. Bitsy was confused. Then she discovered that Mo and Enzo liked watching the snow while being warm and cozy and reading inside. She understood then that it was okay to like different things, and when Mr. Nibbles offered hot chocolate, she politely declined while asking for a bugmallow treat instead.

When the snow started falling, Bitsy had the idea to make paper snowflakes, and when the rest of the class came inside, they joined in too. When Mr. Nibbles suggested each student write their favorite snow activity on their flake, Bitsy bravely admitted that she hadn’t liked any of the outdoor activities, and was assured that that was okay. Back home, Bitsy hung her paper snowflakes then prepared with her family for their long winter hibernation.

Back matter includes a detailed discussion about autism that defines and explains important terms as well as an Author’s Note by Kaz Windness, who is herself autistic.

It’s easy to see why Kas Windness’s Bitsy Bat series—including Bitsy Bat, School Star and Bitsy Bat, Team Star—is such a beloved part of any child’s library. Told from an autistic perspective, the stories celebrate each student’s differences, and welcome readers as a friend. In Bitsy Bat, Snow Star, Bitsy steps out of her comfort zone to try a new experience. Windness invites children along to witness Bitsy proudly becoming a “snow bat” in winter clothing but also discovering that her sensory differences make the outdoor activities uncomfortable. As Bitsy’s school day progresses, Windness incorporates responses such as stimming, fawning, and autistic masking into the story.

Once inside, Bitsy demonstrates her creativity and imagination by making paper snowflakes as an alternative to real snow. Through Enzo’s, Mo’s, and Bitsy’s preference to watch the snow from the window, Windness also emphasizes that people can enjoy the same activities in different ways. Readers will find Bitsy’s bravery, worries, disappointments, and empathy relatable and her undimmable spirit inspiring.

Windness’s dialogue-rich storytelling is accompanied by her adorable and expressive illustrations that envelope readers in Bitsy’s companionable classroom, where students accept and support each other and their teacher is understanding. Other students use a wheelchair (and snow wheelchair for sledding), noise-reducing headphones, light-filtering glasses, a communication tablet, and glasses.

Whether you’re already a fan of Bitsy Bat or just getting to know her, Bitsy Bat, Snow Star would be a favorite read aloud on any home bookshelf. The book is a must for any public and school library.

Ages 4 – 8

Beach Lane, 2026 | ISBN 978-1665963664

About the Author

Kaz Windness is the author-illustrator of picture books Swim, Jim!; Bitsy Bat, School Star; Bitsy Bat, Team Star; and Bitsy Bat, Snow Star. She created the Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Level 1 Ready-to-Read Graphics book Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends, and its sequel, Worm and Butterfly Are Friends, Always; the Star Chapter Book Time Traveling Chickens series; and the Level 1 Ready-to-Reads Cat vs. Vac; Go! Go! Dino!; Squid in Pants; and Speeder Spider. Kaz is also the illustrator of Ollie, the Acorn, and the Mighty Idea by Andrew Hacket and the author of When You Love a Book, illustrated by Heather Brockman Lee. Kaz lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband, two children, and Boston terrier. Visit her at WindnessBooks.com.

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Bitsy Bat Series Media Kit

You can find a wide range of materials for the Bitsy Bat Series for educators, parents, and other caregivers, from lesson plans to animated read-alouds, to detailed hands-on activities and instructions in Kaz Windness’s Bitsy Bat Media Kit on her website.

You can purchase Bitsy Bat, Snow Star from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

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