2026 Picture Books, Eh!

The Curious Life of Cecilia Payne
by Laura Alary
illustrated by Yes Imamura
January 2026
​Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

An incredible picture book biography about how the trailblazing astronomer found her people--and figured out what stars are made of. 
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Cecilia Payne loved learning to see nature’s wonders, even things other people called impossible. While studying at Cambridge, she dreamed of becoming a great astronomer like the ones she read about in the library. But too many people thought women didn’t belong among stars or atoms. 

So, Cecilia packed her bags for Harvard, where she could surround herself with women who also loved astronomy and physics. These “Harvard Computers” shared their treasures with her—thousands of photographs of starlight. Cecilia found a way to read the patterns in these photos and started asking big questions.  Could these photos show her what stars are made of? What if they showed Cecilia something all the great astronomers called impossible?

With stellar gouache and watercolor art and thrilling scientific details, this biography is a loving tribute to the joy of curiosity, the value of community, and the struggle to find confidence in your own voice. Extensive back matter helps readers learn through an author’s note, timelines of Cecilia’s life and of discoveries that led to hers, a list of Cecilia’s honors and awards, and resources for further reading.

Butterfly Sea
by Cynthia Mackey
​illustrated by Marie-Laure Couet
January 2026
Tielmour Press

A child, trailed by a disruptive yet loveable younger sibling, searches for butterflies to photograph while discovering concepts of butterfly gardening. Butterfly classification and seek and find appear in the back matter of this lyrical narrative non-fiction book.​





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Chicka Chicka Peep Peep
​by Julien Chung 
based on Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault
​January 2026
Beach Lane Books

It’s time for spring in this companion to the beloved and bestselling classic Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, and the letters peep something hidden up in the tree…

A asked B
and B asked C,
“What’s up there
in the pretty pink tree?”

Everyone’s favorite alphabet crew is ready to hop to the occasion and sniff out the surprise, with the help of some fuzzy new friends. Celebrate springtime in this colorful romp that will have everyone chanting—and hopping!—along.

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One Cosmic Rock
by Karen Krossing
illustrated by Julia Vasileva
February 2026
Owlkids Books

A poetic look at a defining event in Earth’s history.

Sixty-six million years ago, an asteroid hurtled through space toward an ancient Earth that looked very different from the one we know today. Back then, enormous creatures towered over marshes, soared above forests, and ruled the seas, while smaller life-forms scurried and snarled, swam and bloomed. Then—SMASH!—an icy cosmic rock crashed into the planet, and life on Earth was completely changed.

Though many species were made extinct because of this one cosmic rock, some life found a way to continue and develop over millions of years, eventually evolving into the diverse life-forms—including humans!—that thrive on our planet today.

​With poetic text, stunning illustrations, and a child-centered conclusion, this accessible narrative nonfiction picture book is perfect for STEM collections and sparking thought-provoking conversations about Earth’s history, the extinction of the dinosaurs, and evolution.

Ellis On Guard
​by Sal Sawler
illustrated by Nandita Ratan
February 2026
Second Story Press

Ellis worries. A lot.

Ellis sees danger in places other people don’t.

They worry about talking to new people. And they’re especially worried about losing their puppy, Peanut. If Ellis wrote out their list of worries, it would wrap around their house three times.
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But sometimes, our worries can be put to surprisingly good use.…
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Time to Leave, Laverne!
​​​by Lana Button
​illustrated by Yong Ling Kang
​February 2026
Owlkids Books

A young child learns how to weather her storm of emotions

When Laverne attends story time at the library or a playdate at the park, she arrives like a ray of sunshine. But when it's time to leave, she twists into a thunderstorm and needs to be carried away and brought straight to her room until the storm subsides.

One day, feeling worn out by Laverne's thunderstorms, her parents decide to stay home. As Laverne plays pretend with her stuffies, she realizes that there are ways to prepare for all kinds of weather-and that she can use her stuffies as a tool to manage her big emotions.

​Charming watercolor illustrations and descriptive text bring this relatable story about explosive behavior and emotional regulation to life.

Taking Turns with Turtles: A Rescue Story
by Shari Becker
​illustrated by Brittany Lane
​March 2026
Groundwood Books

Turtles have been tending the ocean for millions of years. Now it’s my turn to tend to the turtles.
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One chilly morning in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, a child and their parents wake up early to search the beach for cold-stunned turtles. When they find one, they keep it warm and safe until another rescuer can bring it to a rehabilitation center. There, a volunteer cleans the turtle before it goes to a biologist who glues its cracked shell back together. The turtle then moves to a tank room to recover. Finally, a volunteer pilot flies the turtle south to a warmer beach. At last, a parent and child place the turtle in the ocean and watch it swim away as a crowd of cheering volunteers look on.

Sea turtles have been an important part of ocean and shoreline ecosystems for millions of years. But the changing climate is shifting migration cues, trapping some turtles in frigid waters in late autumn and early winter. Luckily, many volunteers are working together with scientists to help them. In this story, follow a months-long journey and many human helpers working together to rescue a cold-stunned turtle.

Includes back matter with more information about cold-stunned turtles.

Fern & Newt and the Lost Loot
by Mireille Messier
illustrated by Catarina Oliveira
​March 2026
Orca Books

It's Fern's birthday, and all she wants is a metal detector.

Instead, she gets clothes and a mysterious long box that turns out to be a gardening tool from her neighbor, Madame Musette, with a note about coming over to pull weeds. Sigh. Fern and her friend Newt lost her older sister Nicole's jewelry box when they buried it at the beach, playing pirates. If they can just find it before Nicole returns from camp, they'll be in the clear. But the quest is impossible without a metal detector!

Fern and Newt need to earn the money to buy one themselves. Luckily, Madame Musette offers Fern five cents for every root pulled and Newt agrees to help too. The money adds up—but very slowly—until the friends discover that Madame Musette will pay even more for butterfly eggs so she can let them hatch safely before releasing them outside. With the summer slipping away and Nicole due home at any minute, will the friends be able to earn enough for a metal detector and find the treasure before it’s too late?

The epub edition of this title is fully accessible. Available in French as Fémi et Lou et le trésor perdu."

https://www.orcabook.com/Fern-and-Newt-and-the-Lost-Loot 

Gotcha Day
​​by Deborah Kerbel
​illustrated by Dayana Lugo
​March 2026
Orca Books

A stray pup wanders the streets, growling, prowling and scared, until an animal control officer finds him and takes him to a shelter.
There, he gets fed, groomed and perfumed, so he's ready to find a new home. As people come and go, the dog waits and waits and waits... until someone exclaims, "This pup!" A little girl knows he's the perfect dog for her. Told in rhyming text, this sweet story shows that even a down-on-his-luck pooch can find his forever home.
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A Place in the World
​by Rina Singh
​illustrated by Chris Pouler
​March 2026
The Creative Company

Author Rina Singh met two eight-year-olds in 2018, one from Syria and one from Iraq. Both had been displaced by violence and turmoil in their home countries, and out of their stories came the fictitious character, Abdul, of this book. As Abdul and his mother endure uncertainty and hardship, waiting for the day when they'll "wake up in a place where there is no rubble, no debris," they hold on to hope against all the odds. Although certainly not every refugee's tale ends as happily as Abdul's, the overarching message that everyone deserves to find a safe place in the world shines through.


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The Cloud That Stuck
by Karen Krossing
illustrated by Dorothy Leung
April 2026
Charlesbridge Publishing

Some clouds just won’t go away. When one hovers above Tansy’s head, she learns to live with it through love, support, and creative thinking. A timely picture book about mental health, resilience, and change.

Whoosh! On a blustery day, the wind blows a cloud over Tansy’s head, blocking the sun. She yells at the cloud and tries to outrace it on her bike. Her best friend, dad, and teacher try to help get rid of it, but the cloud won’t budge. Then it rains on Tansy, and she forgets what sunshine feels like.

Having a cloud overhead feels like the worst possible thing in the world. Until Tansy gets rain boots and an umbrella. She plays in the puddles with her friends and even plants a garden and waters it with her handy, always present cloud. As Tansy finds ways to live with her cloud, she witnesses that flowers need rain, and so do rainbows.
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Inspired by the author’s experiences with mental health, this book is for anyone who has faced challenges beyond their control.
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Camping is a Terrible Idea
​by Kirsten Pendreigh
​illustrated by Tiffany Everett
​April 2026
Sleeping Bear Press

City kid Cammie likes her daily routines and schedules. When Dad announces a camping trip, she is horrified. Nature means messes and chaos! Camping is a terrible idea! And sure enough, camping is chaos! There are roots that trip, pesky biting mosquitoes, and campfire smoke that blows in her face. But, as it turns out, Mother Nature has her own set of rhythms and routines, from sunrises and sunsets to ocean tides rolling in and out. There are calming nighttime sounds and reassuring patterns in the night sky. Will Cammie find out that perhaps camping isn't as terrible as she expected?



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Savor the Day
by Shari Green
illustrated by Gabby Grant
April 2026
Sleeping Bear Press

In this ode to the delights found in a summer’s day, readers of all ages are encouraged to notice and enjoy—to savor—the little things in life.
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When a young girl takes a day trip to the beach with her grandfather, together they savor the pleasures found in nature. Beginning with the moment she wakes to her grandfather’s voice, the possibilities for shared simple delights are endless as the day unfolds before them. From the breathtaking chill of the water to the mouthwatering treats of summer-ripe fruit to the tickle of sand between the toes, this beach adventure comes to life in joyful, rhyming text. And after admiring the sunset at day’s end, it’s time to head back home, thankful for the time spent together.

Let's Eat! Foods from Here, There and Everywhere
​by Rina Singh
​illustrated by Flo Leung
April 2026
Orca Book Publishers

"Wait, kiddo, wait! Coming right up—the world on your plate."

With maki sushi, savory shakshuka and silky fondue, nothing but a big community feast will do! This delightful rhyming picture book sweeps through the homes of a diverse neighborhood as kids, families and neighbors prepare a buffet of delicious dishes. Finally they come together in a community block party to share their favorite foods!

Beautiful Black Boy
by Sophia Robinson
​illustrated by Ken Daley
April 2026
Orchard Books

Beautiful Black Boy... 
You are Full of Hope... 

This striking and heartrending debut picture book, crafted especially for little Black boys everywhere, features a stunning lyrical ode of affirmations.   

This is a celebration of self-love, the profound strength of Black identity and unwavering confidence.  Through vibrant illustrations and empowering proclamations, this book serves as a guiding light, nurturing young males of color as they navigate the world with pride and resilience.
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Jia Has a Dog Problem
​​by Stephanie Ellen Sy
illustrated by Isabella Kung
May 2026
Penguin Random House

A young girl is afraid of dogs, and a small dog is afraid of children in this funny, bighearted picture book about overcoming fear to find friendship.

Jia runs from every dog—big, tiny, spotted, or shaggy. Charlie the French bulldog hides from every kid—behind couches, laundry, even grown-ups' legs.

When something far scarier forces these two together, they discover a sweet surprise: a friend who understands.



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Do You Know the Dark?
​​​by Roz MacLean
May 2026
Henry Holt Books for Young Readers

"A mesmerizing invitation to embrace night’s beauty—great for bedtime shelves and budding naturalists alike." --Kirkus, starred review

When the lights are out, the world transforms into shadows and endless night sky. We go from seeing what is around us to uncertainty. It's natural to feel nervous or scared, but the dark holds so many discoveries, if we only know where to look.

Within cocoons, caterpillars become moths. Bears rest in dens, waiting for warmer months. Sea creatures swim in depths that the light never touches. Beyond the stars, in the unexplored expanse of the universe, mystery and wonder call to us.

In accessible, lyrical text, Do You Know the Dark? offers new ways to think about the unknowns of darkness, appreciating its gifts of rest, regeneration, and possibility. Beyond what we can perceive in the daylight, could there be beauty we had never thought to imagine?

Looking at the Sky: How Dr. Janusz Korczak Fought for Children's Rights
​by Amanda West Lewis
​illustrated by Abigail Rajunov
​June 2026
Kids Can Press

A poignant graphic novel inspired by the pre–World War II Warsaw orphanage run by children’s rights advocate Dr. Janusz Korczak.

It’s 1923 in Warsaw. Seven-year-old Izaak’s parents have died, and his older sisters can’t care for him. So, Izaak goes to live in a Jewish orphanage run by Janusz Korczak, a prominent doctor and writer. Izaak is unhappy about leaving home, and he misses his sisters. But now he has enough to eat. He goes to school for the first time. And Dr. Korczak’s unconventional ideas about children’s rights slowly open his eyes to his own worth and his life’s future possibilities. 
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Through Amanda West Lewis’s spare but resonant text and Abigail Rajunov’s limited color palette, this unforgettable graphic novel brings to life an important piece of pre-war Polish Jewish history. It also pays tribute to the inspiring Janusz Korczak, a renowned writer and thinker whose advocacy for children’s rights was influential around the world. Korczak is a benevolent and even playful presence in the story, who reads his books to the children and allows them to settle disputes in a children’s court. The character of Izaak was inspired by several real-life children who lived at the orphanage. Told with heart and honesty - Izaak escapes the Nazis, but the others, unfortunately, do not - and paying close attention to historical details, it’s an excellent lesson in how one person can change the lives of others. This book can spark discussions with children about their rights and how they can help make the world a better place. It also includes an author’s note, glossary and resources.

Bollywood Beat!
​by Anita Yasuda
illustrated by Devika Oza
​​June 2026
Kids Can Press

Delight in the ringing of ankle bells and the swish of colorful scarves as Bollywood dance is described in playful rhymes.

Two sisters arrive for the Masala Magic Dance Recital. They join the other performers to get ready. “Rustle, hustle.” And watch the opening act. “Wiggle, giggle.” Then it’s older sister’s turn. “Flickity-flip. Thumka-hip.” The families in the audience join in. “Toes tap. Hands clap.” It’s a wonderful time. Until … uh-oh. Younger sister has second thoughts about performing! “Heart-stopping.” With a gift and a bit of encouragement from older sister, little sister steps on stage. “Thumka-hip. Flickity-flip.” The audience is invited to participate. “Hustle, rustle.” And soon everyone is dancing to the Bollywood beat! 
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The joy is infectious in author Anita Yasuda’s lyrical romp of a picture book, and children won’t be able to resist dancing along! Bollywood culture is on full display in this delightful celebration of family, tradition and dance. Yasuda cleverly repeats the same rhymes from the first part of the story in reverse order to tell the second part of the story. The deep, rich colors in Devika Oza’s mesmerizing art bring the dance recital to life, exquisitely conveying the movement and emotions of the dancers and the audience, as well the street where the recital is set. The back matter includes a brief glossary of terms.

I Used to Be a Dinosaur
by Casey Lyall
​illustrated by Laurie Keller
​June 2026
Greenwillow Books

A mama hen demands respect for herself and her chicks—after all, they used to be dinosaurs! From acclaimed author Casey Lyall and award-winning artist Laurie Keller, this is a laugh-out-loud picture book about farmyards, self-esteem, and evolution for fans of Interrupting Chicken and Are You a Cheeseburger?

Did you know that chickens are descendants of dinosaurs? A soon-to-be mother hen just found out, and now she is reexamining her entire life. She used to be a dinosaur, a prehistoric queen with a mighty roar! Now she spends her days on a farm, waiting for her eggs to hatch. It’s downright fowl! At least, it is until she decides to summon her own inner dinosaur.

This award-winning author and artist pair is a comedic dream team! A Spoonful of Frogs author Casey Lyall’s read-aloud text is rhythmic and sassy. And Geisel Award winner Laurie Keller brings her signature zany sense of humor and irresistible energy to the expressive chicken and her dinosaur dreams. The result is a story time pleaser that gets sillier with every page turn.

​A very funny, inventive picture book with themes of self-love and evolutionary science, I Used to Be a Dinosaur is a perfect choice for those who love Click, Clack, Moo and Mother Bruce. 

Whale, That was Unexpected
​by Casey Lyall
​illustrated by Kathryn Durst
​June 2026
Tundra Books

A classic but contemporary tale for 3-to-7-year-olds featuring a hilariously grumpy seafarer and her trusty dog sidekick who get swallowed by a whale. For fans of Caldecott Honor books Bear Came Along and Leave Me Alone.

Stoic seafarer Maude and her canine sidekick Claude head out to fish as they have done every day for many years. But this time, something unexpected happens. (Maude hates it when something unexpected happens.)

They get swallowed by a whale. What does one do when one is swallowed by a whale? Throw a farewell party, I guess. (Maude loves a good party.)

Hilarity ensues as more and more creatures get swallowed and Maude has to keep changing her party plans. (Maude does not love crowds.)

Will Maude and the whale part ways, or is this the end? (Maude would prefer it if we could hurry this up.)

Okay, okay. Read on to find out.

All the Water on Earth
​​by Rochelle Strauss
​illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight
​June 2026
Kids Can Press

A lyrical informational picture book about the water cycle, based on the global bestseller One Well.

Award-winning author Rochelle Strauss’s picture book adaptation of her bestselling book One Well invites readers to notice how water is flowing all around them, in streams and rivers and oceans and even underground. The book shows that water – our most precious resource, needed by everyone and everything on Earth – is finite. Even though that water constantly circles from Earth to the sky and back down again, all the water on Earth is … well, all the water we’ll ever have. So, everyone needs to help protect it!

Part of the CitizenKid collection for younger readers, this book is an engaging primer on water, using accessible text and loads of illustrations. It includes easy-to-understand explanations of where water is found – freshwater and saltwater bodies of all types, rain and dew, ice and snow and even steam – how the water cycle works, who needs water and what it’s used for, as well as today’s global water concerns. With art by bestselling illustrator Madelyn Goodnight that colorfully captures the wonders of nature from a child’s perspective, it’s a perfect read-aloud to spark deeper discussions and inspire budding water conservationists. The content is supported by back matter that includes discussion questions as well as an author’s note and a list of resources for further learning.
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Things That Stink
​​by Judith Graves
June 2026
Acorn Books

Sometimes things don’t go the way we want them to, and that stinks. But this book isn’t about such things, rotten as they may be. It’s about a glorious bouquet of nasty-smelling things with nasty-smelling smells.

Why? Because they’re fun and gross, and stinky things have their reasons for being stinky. It’s what they do. And that’s nothing to sniff at.

Plug your nose, turn that page, and let’s dig into Things That Stink!
Author/illustrator Judith Graves takes readers on a humorous, informative, and stinking-cute exploration of Things That Stink on our planet… and beyond.

Cat Shapes
​​by Aidan Cassie
​June 2026
Kids Can Press

The contortionist antics of some sly cats help teach babies and toddlers about shapes in this charming board book.

Clever and mischievous cats take on different shapes in this adorable concept board book. A curious cat climbs into a box to investigate and forms the shape of a SQUARE. A thirsty cat crawls into a bathroom sink to get a drink and spreads into an OVAL. A sneaky cat slips into a drawer to take a nap and stretches into a RECTANGLE. And, at the end of the day, all the cats cuddling together take on the best shape of all: the shape of their owner’s HEART!

Award-winning author and illustrator Aidan Cassie really gets how cats behave — and what amuses very young children! Using simple text, bright colors and spot-on visual humor, Cassie showcases six different cats morphing into the six basic shapes that babies and toddlers are learning to recognize and name. For each one, the cat is shown approaching or near its target on the right side of a spread, with intriguing text: “A curious cat can be a …” Turn the page, and the left side of the next spread reveals where the cat landed, and in what shape: in this case, “SQUARE.” The cat and its shape-shifting behavior are the whole focus of each of the illustrations. Small children will delight in this age-appropriate introduction to shapes, sure to become a new favorite read-aloud!

Around the Circle: Celebrating the Church Year
​​by Laura Alary
illustrated by Claire Westwood
​July 2026
Beaming Books

This picture book path through the liturgical year introduces kids to the seasons of the Christian calendar.

Around the Circle invites young children to journey through the seasons of the church year. Season by season, rich colors and meaningful symbols help young readers get to know these special times: how they connect to the story of Jesus, and to their own lives. With simple, rhythmic text and lush, mixed-media illustrations, this picture book depicts the circle of the liturgical year as a path full of discovery and wonder. There is space for different emotions, including sadness, but the story bends toward hope and new beginnings, reassuring children that they are loved and welcomed. In the circle of the church year, and in the circle of belonging formed by those who follow this sacred path, there is room for all.

From Advent to Christmas, Epiphany to Lent, Easter to Pentecost, and then around again, the liturgical year sets the rhythm for the life of a church community. Around the Circle is a wonderful resource for church ministry leaders, intergenerational worshipping communities, and families who want to introduce their children to the multisensory experience of the cycle of the church year.
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When the Witch Wrote Back!
​​​by Nathan Christopher
​illustrated by Pablo Pino
​July 2026
Sourcebooks Wonderland

Trick or Treat! Experience the magic of Halloween as never before with this picture book packed with spooky fun and a meaningful lesson, perfect for kids ages 4-10!

Someone new has moved in next door, and Jake is pretty sure that only one kind of neighbor would be unpacking a cauldron, a broomstick, and a black cat... Then Jake gets an idea! Surely a Witch will have a spell to help him plan, prepare, and clean for his upcoming Halloween party! When he writes letters requesting her magical help, will Jake get all that he hopes for? Or will the Witch use her powers to teach him a valuable lesson in this delightfully charming story about the Halloween…when the Witch wrote back!

With clever and fun-to-read rhymes as well as engaging art, hilarious fall fun, and an important message of putting in the hard work, When the Witch Wrote Back! is the perfect Halloween gift or boo basket stuffer for kids! Complete with a bonus spread of tips from Jake on how to have a happy Halloween, this story is the perfect way to celebrate the spooky season! 

Dear Witch,

You think you can fool me, but I've seen the proof:

Your chimney pours potions all over your roof,
Your mailbox is barking and chasing a mouse,
And some sorta goblins are painting your house!

You might as well help me! Let's whip up a spell
To clean up my clothing, take care of that smell,
Then hang decorations. How long will that take?
My parents might cancel the party!
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From Jake

Holiday Hannah
​by Cassie Silva
illustrated by Leila Nabih
​July 2026
Clavis

A story about illness, inclusivity, friendship, and the beauty in everyday life. For children ages 4 years and up.

Hannah celebrates every day. She even celebrates holidays that most people don’t know about, such as National Linguine Day and National Dance Like a Chicken Day. Her classmates wonder why Hannah does that. Celebrating every day is a bit strange, isn’t it? But one day, Hannah suddenly has nothing to celebrate anymore . . .

Dear Classroom 1B
​by Lynn Leitch
​illustrated by Christine Battuz
July 2026
Scholastic Canada

Meet Norm ― a hamster who knows his boundaries!

Okay, 1B.

We need to talk. The paper rolls you pushed into my house? Those are a win. I’ll shred them to make my place cozy.

But do you know what’s NOT cozy? Being picked up and smooshed in your arms. Not everyone’s a hugger, okay?

Boundaries, people. Boundaries!

Norm

After a bumpy introduction to his new home, Norm ― a classroom hamster ― is forced to take matters into his own paws. Unless he can convince the kids of Classroom 1B how he wants to be treated, he’ll be destined for a whole year of water fountain baths, interrupted naps and (ugh!) hugs. A hamster has his limits, no matter how cute and cuddly he might look!
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Backpack
​by Katie Arthur
August 2026
Owlkids Books

An ode to backpacks and the comfort, joy, and utility they bring to our lives

A young girl explains how it’s a very nice thing to wear a backpack. Even when it’s too full of stuff to carry comfortably, or too small to fit all she wants, she still loves her backpack. To her, it’s a symbol of travel. When she has her backpack, it means she’s going somewhere—which is so much better than staying still!

Backpacks can be filled with good memories, like family photos, or bad memories, like a beloved stuffed animal accidentally dropped in a puddle. But even on bad days, a backpack is special, and you can always count on it. Backpacks can be called book bags, rucksacks, or knapsacks, and they come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors. There’s no wrong way to wear a backpack. It’s its own form of self-expression.
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This relatable and universal story shows how backpacks are a home you can always carry with you, while connecting them to real-life milestones like starting kindergarten, back-to-school, and going on new adventures.

Our Spectacular Sukkah
by Sidura Ludwig
illustrated by Sophia Vincent Guy
​August 2026
Penguin Random House

Community, connection, and a capricious turn of weather each play a role as a family sets out to create a homemade shelter in celebration of the Jewish Sukkot holiday.

For one excited family, it’s time to build a sukkah in their backyard—a glorious, sturdy sukkah just for them. They can’t wait to eat, play, and sing in it for seven days and watch the stars through it for seven nights. Everything is perfect until . . . whoosh! A sudden, powerful burst of wind crashes through and ruins everything. But wait, could all those neighbors toting stray branches and other bits and pieces help to make this the family’s—and the neighborhood’s—most special Sukkot yet? With its themes of connection, helping, and sharing food, this sweet story from the creative team behind the award-winning Rising has appeal both to Jewish families who mark this harvest holiday every year and to families just learning about it for the first time. Back matter offers more information about Sukkot and instructions on making a miniature sukkah of your own. 

The Magnificent Banyan and the Green Tong Lau
​​by Stephanie Ellen Sy
illustrated by Ishita Jain
August 2026
Kokila

A modern fable beautifully illustrated in watercolor about the residents of a Hong Kong apartment whose lives are seemingly disrupted by a hardy banyan tree that begins to grow on the building's walls.

There once was a bird that dropped a seed into a crack in a green tong lau. Nobody noticed, not even when a spindly root sprouted from the wall and curled past The Grandpa playing mahjong on his balcony, The Aunties belting Chinese opera, The Grandma lighting incense at her altar, The Uncles hanging roast goose in their ground-floor shop window, and children playing about. The banyan tree grew and grew until one day, everyone noticed.

With luminous watercolors by Ishita Jain, this modern fable set in Hong Kong tells the story of a resilient banyan tree and how one community comes to recognize its many gifts.

Bompa's Intertidal Adventure
​by David Suzuki and Sarika Cullis-Suziki with Tanya Lloyd Kyi
illustrated by Qin Leng
September 2026
Greystone Books

Let's go on an intertidal adventure for kids ages 4 to 8! The second book in the Nature Adventures with Bompa series, following Bompa’s Insect Expedition.

It’s time for the twins to go on another nature expedition with their Bompa. But this time, they want to take HIM on an adventure—to the seashore! What will they discover this time?

This exciting and educational tribute to the intertidal zone features:

• Amazing facts about intertidal zone creatures including extensive backmatter pages and a shoreline search-and-find
• Key information on how families can protect the intertidal zone and help these areas thrive
• A celebration of grandparents: depicts the fun two children have with their grandfather

Featuring gorgeous art by Qin Leng, Bompa’s Intertidal Adventure is an imaginative exploration of the natural world, based on the true-life adventures of David Suzuki and his grandkids.

Boogy & Tee and Twinkle & Hew
​by Kathy Stinson
illustrated by Mark Hoffmann
September 2026
Groundwood Books

The four characters named in the title go to sea in two very different boats for two very different reasons. When a storm blows up, the two boats are very differently impacted. But when Boogy's greed gets the better of him, the lives of all four characters are in peril. 
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Economic inequality and climate change can be pretty heavy topics for kids (for all of us) but this story's rollicking, sea-faring rhythm, its sprinkling of invented vocabulary, its humour, and Mark Hoffman’s whimsically sophisticated illustrations will all help keep readers afloat.


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Goodbye, Koi
by Jack Wong
​September 2026
Orchard Books

As a young boy and his family prepare to leave their home — and the koi fish he’s always cared for — his world fills with questions. What will happen to his fish? Will they be safe and happy in their new home? Through his wonder and worry, readers glimpse the universal feelings that come with any life transition: curiosity, uncertainty, and the hope that we will be okay. 

Lushly illustrated in the tradition of Chinese brush painting, Goodbye, Koi will resonate with any reader who has ever had to say goodbye to a pet, a place, or a way of life.

Some Body, Every Body!
​by Roz MacLean
​September 2026
Bloomsbury

The first in an affirming and celebratory series from acclaimed author/illustrator Roz MacLean celebrates every body!

Some bodies swim. Some bodies play. 
Some bodies dance around all day! 
I love my body. Do you love yours too? 
I love that my body lets me be here with you!

Every body is unique. They come in all sizes and shapes, and some bodies have distinct sensory, mobility, and medical needs. But despite these differences, every kind of body moves through the world in its own special way. From award-winning author and illustrator Roz MacLean comes a vibrant celebration of body diversity and positivity, and a kid-friendly entry point for teaching young readers that while everyone's bodies may be different, each one is special!

This young, rhyming, accessible story comes in a paper-over-board hardcover original format perfect for fans of Todd Parr.

Juni and the Anything Tree
by Hayley Lowe
​September 2026
Orca Books

Juni likes to spend recess with her favorite friend, a fallen tree in the schoolyard.
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Together they go on adventures or sit quietly and count wood bugs. One day her classmate Leo comes over to ask what she's doing. Juni explains that the tree can be anything―a lava monster, a Pegasus, a pirate ship. Leo wants to play too, and suddenly she's made a new friend. Then Juni sees a sign about a community cleanup, which will include removing the fallen tree! She and Leo make plans to go to the principal and start a petition to save the tree. But nothing works. Finally, on the day of the cleanup, Juni knows this is her last chance to show the adults that a tree can be anything and that it can even be a friend. She'll try her best to be there for her tree, but can she save it?

Mac & Croc
​by Jami Gigot
September 2026 
Kids Can Press

Odd-couple friends – a boy and a crocodile – hit the high seas in this hilarious early graphic novel.

When finicky homebody Croc loses a bet to his adventure-loving best friend, Mac, he must do the thing he’s been refusing to do – set sail with him on the open ocean on a quest to find a lost city.

Unfortunately, once they’re on the water, things don’t go according to plan. Or, rather, Mac never made a plan, so things go wrong pretty quickly. And when Mac is swept overboard, Croc has to act decisively to help his friend. Will Croc surprise himself by ignoring his fears and enjoying the experience of a lifetime with his best pal?
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This easy-to-read early graphic novel from creator Jami Gigot features quirky and appealing characters, a bright color palette and tons of silly visual details for readers to enjoy. The book’s theme of two unlikely best friends with radically different ideas of a good time is sure to please all children – whatever level of excitement they prefer. This is a fun and fast-moving classic adventure story with a fresh twist, and it’s told entirely in dialogue, perfect for performance-minded children to act out. It has connections to character education topics of adaptability, resilience and courage. It also offers social-emotional lessons in trying new things and learning about oneself.

Poh Poh's Sword
​by Julia Hune-Brown
illustrated by Hayley Lowe
​September 2026
Second Story Press

Julie’s Chinese grandmother—her poh poh—has a brave adventure to tell
Julie’s grandmother dances with a sword. She swirls and leaps to the sound of Chinese opera music. When she was young, Poh Poh left her home and everything she knew to travel across the ocean to North America—what they knew as Gold Mountain. The one thing she brought was her sword, but she did not use it to fight. She used it to forge a new life for her family.





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This is a Library Book
by Joyce Grant
​illustrated by Chanelle Nibbelink
October 2026
Kids Can Press

This love letter to libraries and librarians throughout history is a fascinating look at how these beloved institutions have long helped communities and why they are more essential than ever. In this one-of-a-kind book, award-winning author Joyce Grant takes readers on a whirlwind tour of libraries and their long history as meeting spots for community members, places of refuge in times of conflict and change and safe spaces that protect both people and access to information.

Mags MacDonald Had a JetPack
by Jen MacGregor
illustrated by Suharu Ogawa
September 2026
Owlkids Books

In this high-tech spin on the classic nursery rhyme, Mags MacDonald gets more than she bargained for.

With her grandpa on a trip out of town, Mags Macdonald is left in charge of the farm. And on that farm, she has a whole lot of work to do! Armed with her to-do list, Mags employs some high-tech tools to help her get the job done.

But everything goes wrong―she loses control of her turbo jetpack hose, her voice-activated giant robotic octopus has a mind of its own, and her high-speed conveyor belts go haywire! And, to top it all off, the animals don’t want to eat the pizza Mags ordered for them! Then, just when she is completely overwhelmed, Mags’s friends show up to help tidy the farm and get her tech under control.
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This fractured nursery rhyme will have readers laughing out loud and singing along as they follow a plucky, maker-kid protagonist use creative problem solving, make some mistakes, and persevere to learn from them.

A House in my Barrio
by Paola Santos
illustrated by Olivia Sue
September 2026
Henry Holt and Co.

In this touching picture book about the importance of kindness and lending a hand, a young boy gathers his community to take care of a loved one, perfect for fans of The Last Stop on Market Street.

Mamá Elena always knows just what to do when someone needs help. Whether it’s by cooking a delicious meal or simply by lending an ear, she keeps her community together. And because of her warmth, her home is young Manuel’s favorite.

But when Mamá Elena suffers a fall that leaves her bedridden, the barrio changes overnight. Missing Mamá Elena and her house, Manuel is determined to help lift her spirits. In a selfless act of organizing, he gathers his neighborhood so they can give back all the love and support Mamá Elena has shown them.

This picture book includes gentle introductions to the Spanish language with a strong message about caring for others.

Letter Babies Line Up
by Lana Button
illustrated by Hayley Lowe
September 2026
Owlkids Books

The description for this book is coming soon. Betcha can't wait, eh?
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Dele & Aminata's Jolly War
​by Yewande Daniel-Ayoade
​illustrated by Bri Marie McNish
October 2026 
Owlkids Books

A neighborhood cooking competition sparks a battle for the tastiest jollof rice.

Jollof rice is a signature dish in many countries in West Africa. Each country has its own regional variation of the recipe, and each believes their version is better!

Dele’s favourite dish is his mum’s Nigerian-style jollof rice. It’s also the most popular dish at their neighborhood potluck. But this month, a new girl and her family have moved from Senegal into Dele’s building, and they bring a different kind of jollof rice to the potluck. Unsurprisingly, Dele and Aminata each insist that their own mother’s dish is best.

This competitive spirit grows even stronger when both families cook their jollof rice recipes for a local competition. Dele and Aminata attempt to out-do one another, and both dishes are ruined in the process. But the cooking disaster helps Dele and Aminata realize that there may be yet another way to make jollof rice ...

​Warm, immersive illustrations bring this story of pride, jealousy, and cultural heritage to life.

Ninang's Here!
by Analene Go
illustrated by Alexis Young
October 2026
Kids Can Press

A charming story of being seen, being loved and being family.

A young girl’s ninang (“godmother” in Tagalog) has arrived for a visit, and she’s thrilled! After all, Ninang isn’t just the girl’s godmother, she’s also her very best friend. Ninang describes herself as “a grown-up whose heart never grew up,” which means the two get to have a day full of adventures, including blasting off into outer space and rescuing lost balloons and cats stuck in trees! Unfortunately, as with all wonderful visits, this one must come to end. Or can the girl find a way to get Ninang to stay?
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With her playful nature and delight in invention, Ninang is the older relative every child dreams of having. Analene Go has crafted a heartwarming story that celebrates the joys of family life, family connections and imaginative play. Warm depictions of a Filipino household, together with Tagalog words, add a cultural richness to the story. Brightly colored artwork by Alexis Young enlivens the characters’ magical playtime and engages readers to seek for hidden objects in the illustrations. The book’s focus on a special intergenerational relationship that’s not with a grandparent sets it apart from other family-centered books. An author’s note and a glossary are included.

Ah Ma's Home
​by Gillian Sze
illustrated by Leah Hong
​October 2026
Groundwood Books

A child worries that the home she now shares with her grandma can’t compare to the wondrous stories of Ah Ma’s childhood in China.
Back in Ah Ma’s village, they didn’t have snow. The river behind her home flowed from the sky and through the mountains. You’d never tasted anything so clear and so cold.

Back in Ah Ma’s village, they didn’t have geese. They had birds washed in rainbows. And if you fed them tofu from your hand, they would talk!

Back in Ah Ma’s village sparrows would lay eggs in the cracks of mud homes. Once Ah Ma tried to take an egg and was bitten by a teeny tiny dragon!
Now Ah Ma lives in North America, a place that must seem dull by comparison. But her granddaughter is reassured that geese or no geese, snow or no snow, home is always a magical place when it’s shared with the people you love.
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Gillian Sze’s tender story bridges countries, cultures and generations, serving as a mirror to the children of immigrants as well as a window into childhood in rural China. Illustrator Leah Hong illuminates the characters' conversation, alternating between a vibrant autumnal palette and nostalgic washes of gray, blue and green inspired by traditional Chinese paintings.

No Ungapatchka!
by Deborah Kerbel
illustrated by Yaara Eshet
​October 2026
Owlkids Books

A spirited young girl learns the meaning of a new Yiddish word while developing her own bold style.

Sarah is excited to choose her clothes for school this year. However, her older sisters have lots of rules about dressing for school, and the most important one is no “ungapatchka” — their Bubbie’s word for things that are bright, busy, weird, or loud.
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Sarah tries her best to follow her sisters’ fashion advice, but it’s clear that her style is different from theirs. On Monday, she dresses in bright orange and gold polka dots that shine like the sun. And on Tuesday, she dresses like the rainbow outside her window. Her sisters are not impressed with her style choices, but Bubbie encourages Sarah to make her own rules for how to dress. And Sarah soon finds the joy of standing up for herself, even when that means standing out.
This colorful, expressive story will encourage readers to step outside the status quo, try something new, and embrace ungapatchka in their own lives.

Marian's Big Dig
by Laura Bontje
illustrated by Scot Ritchie
​October 2026
Groundwood Books

When rock-loving Marian stumbles upon a perfect, pointy stone in the park, she just knows it is a dinosaur fossil! But her geologist mom and her fossil-hunting hero remain unconvinced, so there’s only one thing to do — Marian has to find the rest of the dinosaur. One by one, she excavates more fossils in her backyard (though her parents keep mistaking them for gardening tools and household objects). Piecing them together is puzzling, but Marian’s dinosaur is shaping up to be her best discovery yet.
This playful story told through the eyes of imaginative Marian is accompanied by real facts about fossils, further reading and details about real life fossil discoveries made by kids.
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Skating Day! / Allons patiner! ​
​​by Karen Autio
illustrated by Laura Watson
November 2026
Scholastic Canada / Éditions Scholastic

With a little support from great friends, skating day can be fun for everyone!

Kayla and Piper are excited about their class trip to the skating rink. They plan to make it extra fun, but their friend Jackson has never skated before. For Jackson, skating is scary. But by helping each other and making a few adjustments, the kids soon learn skating can be for everyone!


​​Avec un peu d’aide des ami.e.s, la journée de patinage peut être amusante pour tout le monde!
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Léane et Emma sont impatientes d’aller patiner avec leur classe. Elles ont l’intention de s’amuser, mais leur ami Jérémie n’a jamais patiné auparavant, et il a peur. En s’entraidant et en faisant quelques ajustements, les enfants apprennent rapidement que tout le monde peut y arriver!

Wireless
​by Laura Alary
illustrated by Thérèse Cilia
Fall 2026
Nimbus Publishing

The description for this book is coming soon. Betcha can't wait, eh?
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When the Easter Bunny Wrote Back!
by Nathan Christopher
illustrated by Pablo Pino
December 2026
Sourcebooks Wonderland

Hop this way for an Easter picture book of egg-stra hilarious proportions, filled with springtime fun and a heartwarming lesson for kids ages 4-7!

Easter is almost here, and Jake is determined to be this year's egg hunt champion...no matter what it takes. When he realizes that the Easter Bunny might have some helpful information regarding this mission and writes a letter asking for tips, tricks, hints, and maybe even some magic speed to help him on the big day, will Jake get all that he hopes for? Or will the Easter Bunny teach him a very important lesson about competition in this delightfully charming story about the Easter...when the Easter Bunny wrote back!

A fantastic rhyming read-aloud filled with engaging artwork, laugh-out-loud text, a focus on sibling love and connection, and a heartfelt message that winning may not be what's most important after all, When the Easter Bunny Wrote Back! is the perfect Easter gift or basket stuffer for children! Complete with a bonus spread of letter-writing tips to the Easter Bunny (Santa is not the only one who likes receiving mail), this book is a wonderful way to accompany a fun spring family tradition or introduce a new one! A truly special springtime story of kindness to share.

Dear Easter Bunny,

You're acting all sneaky with riddles, I think.
The egg hunt is "not about winning" (wink wink).
But that's enough joking, 'cause Easter is soon.
I'm training each morning and each afternoon.
And now what I need is a map of my yard
where all of your egg-hiding spots have been starred.
Just picture the mountains of chocolate I'll get.
Why hasn't anyone thought of this yet?!
Send me the map, then I'll study and study.
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From, Jake
​(your Easter-egg hunt-planning buddy)