Balloon, written by Bruce Handy and illustrated by Julie Kwon. Chronicle Books, Raincoast. 2025. $25.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Balloon! 

Balloon ...

Balloon?"

There is only one word of text repeated as needed throughout this very captivating picture book. That word is Balloon. Other text is completely unnecessary, until the final few spreads. 

A visit to the park with his mother has a young boy delightedly displaying a bright orange balloon as he scurries along the path ... and right into a flock of pigeons. The birds scatter scaring a squirrel, the mother and the little boy. The end result is the loss of his brand-new balloon. They watch helplessly as it drifts off above the park's trees and out of sight. 

The balloon seller offers another. The child is not interested. An orange ice cream bar does not provide enticement either. The two walk on. As he watches a family set up for a picnic, he thinks he can see the balloon behind the blanket they are settling. No, it's a frisbee belonging to their dog. As they pass a group of people listening to music in the park, he is once again intrigued by a round orange shape that turns out to be a knit cap belonging to the saxophone player. And so it goes. As young children follow the events of the story, they will note other orange objects, none of which are the child's balloon. They will be sure to keep their eyes on that orange squirrel that continues to travel the path with them. 

A full page spread captures full attention with the child's head and wide eyes staring straight out at the reader! A turn of the page filled with glorious orange objects is a wonderful surprise, while also showing the child tugging at his mom's hand to pull her forward. What's next? 

You will be moved! It's an absolutely perfect ending, full of heart and wonder. 

Julie Kwon's winning illustrations are created using pen and ink before coloring them digitally. They offer so much context to the story told. Don't miss the author's note; it is also filled with joy. 

A Friend is a friend is a friend, written by Sara O'Leary and illustrated by Qin Leng. Groundwood, 2026. $21.99 ages 4 and up

 

""I have lots of friends here, but 
my best friend is my grandpa." 

"He and I like to sit around and talk
about the old days. I listen to his stories
about when he was small, and he listens 
to mine.""

This companion to the first two books in the Who We Are series is a terrific finale to the trilogy. Starting with family, moving to kids and ending with friends, the three books together are a welcome addition to all family book shelves. 

There are so many ways to make new friends when you attend summer camp. The young girl who is the focus of our attention looks a tad apprehensive as she wonders just how to do that. As she watches the many kids assembled, she wonders if any will show an interest in her. She moves from one place to another and there is always someone willing to offer ideas. The first tells her that her two new friends are together because they share the same birthday. Another explains that she has lots of friends at camp; then mentions that her grandpa remains the best of the bunch. 

Two new friends don't even speak the same language and it doesn't matter a bit. Others are friends because they like the same things: climbing, Godzilla, cheese, some colors. Going into the forest with someone who shares your fear of the unknown is the perfect opportunity for exploring together. Some friends are old ones; some are brand new. 

"We've been friends a long time. We were friends even 
before we were born, because our moms were friends 
when they were kids."

"And we'll still be friends when we are really, really old. 
Like thirty-seven."

"And if we have kids, then our kids will be friends.""

For all the witty conversation, readers will be excited to pore over the detailed ink, marker, and watercolor images created by Ms. Leng. The camp setting is perfect for the talk that takes place as the child wanders the camping area. Humor in the text is accompanied by lively humor and action on every spread. 

There is much to love here; you won't read it just one time. Kids will be wishing for summer camp to be just around the corner.                                                                              

It's A Mitig! Written and illustrated by Bridget George. D&M Kids. 2026. $14.95 ages 1 and up

 

"This bark-covered giant grows 
tall and thick, 
covered in branches, 
it's a mitig!

What animal's toothy 
and plays with a stick? 

It swims in the river, 
it's called an amik."

This book, written in English with Ojibwe vocabulary, has just recently been published as a board book. Dedicated to her son Noah, Ms. George wanted him to have books that help him learn his native language, just as his mother was learning that same language. 

There is much to see on its pages and simple words to learn from start to finish. The rhyming couplets concentrate on nature and start with the sunrise. Ojibwe words are larger and written in bold font, allowing readers sharing this book with little ones to give emphasis to the new language being learned. The details in the artwork provide context for understanding. 

As the day moves forward, listeners will learn new words for sun, fish, porcupine, snake, bird, squirrel, tree, beaver, river, bee, acorn, and moon. Artwork is colorful and encourages discussion as the pages are turned. There is much to like about this book for little ones. It is my understanding that the original publication (D&M, 2020) ended with a pronunciation page that acted a bit like a dictionary for the new words shared. I don't think that is needed in this board book edition. 

I do hope you will enjoy hearing Bridget read her book in the attached video. 

https://youtu.be/D5T6Xu21J2E?si=qCP2qFYwp54zLIVH

Nose to Nose, written and illustrated by Thyra Heder. Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2024. $23.99 ages 4 and up

"Toby checked the local postings
to get a better sense of the 
neighborhood. 

Maybe there was a chance
to make a friend. 

But it was hard not knowing anyone."

Dog lovers, take note! This is a book you are going to love and want to share with those you know and love. Open the cover and feast your eyes on the images Ms. Heder has provided to invite you in ... filled with familiar dog breeds exhibiting their personalities through thoughtfully drawn sketches, on their own or with owners. You'll want to get to know them. 

Their story opens with Toby, a scruffy black and tan newcomer who quickly makes his presence known by leaving his mark on a wall, a light post, the sidewalk, and a post box. The resident dogs don't even notice he is there. They are busy visiting, walking, and enjoying time together with friends. Toby waits every day for some type of message from a dog that might become a friend. 

The dogs leave messages for each other, but not for Toby. Toby keeps checking until he reads about a party at the stick pit. He is keen to join; yet reluctant when he knows no one. The discovery of a terrible-smelling ball makes for a welcome addition to his growing collection. OOPS! A message at the wall the next morning reveals information about said ball, and the sadness that 'Pancake' is feeling over its loss. Toby does his best to let them know he has it. No dog understands his message. 

He leaves another; this time it is a longer one. 

"Dear Pancake, 

I am Toby. I'm new! So sorry I took your ball, it was a mistake! 
It was not my intention to steal! I know how sad you must be. 
(It's delicious!) Fear not! I will meet you at the park soon."

By the time, the message gets through to the other dogs, it has been changed by the rain. They all panic! Toby has no idea what is going on; in his mind, the problem will soon be remedied. Poor Toby, messages the following day let him know just what the other dogs are thinking. There he stands, completely alone and facing a wall of angry mutts, when he reaches the park. His solution is perfect ... and typical. 

It's tough being new in a neighborhood, for dogs and people. Gorgeous watercolor artwork, characters not soon forgotten, and a story line that inspires new kids to find a way to friendship. The telling is mainly shared in the full, detailed spreads that are sure to delight any child who has ever longed for a dog of their own. 

Please don't miss the endpapers that finish this full-of-charm picture book. 
                                                                               

Our Air, written and illustrated by G. Brian Karas. Nancy Paulsen Books, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 6 and up

 

"Plants and animals have learned 
to adapt to my many climates
and harness my energy to thrive. 

What am I, exactly? I am made up
of a mixture of gases. 

I am the perfect combination of 
nitrogen and oxygen for life on 
Earth."

Air is its own narrator in this uncomplicated introduction to what it is and how it has been part of life since a child's birth. Most of the time, no one pays much attention to it. In fact, how can we be sure it is there at all times? It can't be seen, smelled, or heard; it certainly can be felt. 

Our bodies feel air when it moves around us. It carries moisture like rain, snow, sleet, or fog, while helping to determine how plants and animals survive or don't. What it carries is vast and consequential; ask someone who is allergic to pollen. We count on it to spread seeds that grow new and necessary plants, and bring rain for those who depend on moisture to ensure needed sustenance for many. 

Captioned maps of both western and eastern hemispheres help readers see and understand how air affects temperatures around the world. Adaptation to air's climates needs to be controlled in order for much that happens to people and in places everywhere. 

Air offers protection from fluctuations in temperature and the harmful rays of the sun. It is not in space; it is where we are. We all share the air we breathe. It is up to us to protect that which protects us. 

An author's note provides further information, shared simply.                                                                                      

A Place for Us: A Story in Pictures, by James E. Ransome. Nancy Paulsen Books, Penguin Random House.2025. $24.99 ages 5 and up

 

"This book doesn't offer solutions on how we 
might fix this devastating national crisis, but
it shows readers that it's a problem that affects 
so many of us."

There is such beauty in this story told with no words. None are needed. James Ransome has created a story that will live long in the memory of those who share it. It begins with a note from the author: 

"My hope is that this book sparks readers to ask: in a country of vast resources, what is our responsibility to those without access to the basic necessities?"

Young children will see this story of a mother and son and the love they have for each other. School is done for the day, and Mama arrives to meet him as he says goodbye to a friend. Happy to see each other, they chat together as they head toward a nearby fast-food restaurant for dinner. Following that, as darkness begins to set in, they make their way through busy streets to the library where both work on homework and reading. As the librarian flashes the lights to let them know the library will soon close, they pack their bags and head out into the darkness. 

The glow of a streetlight and a quiet pathway lead them a park bench, where they sit and talk together. It isn't long until the boy tucks up under his mama's sweater and lays his head on her knee. Quiet animals look on from the darkness: an owl, a fox and a raccoon. Mama keeps a quiet watch over her son as he gets the rest he needs for school tomorrow. Once awake, he finds a clean shirt in her bag, and prepares for the new day. The two return to school, where they wave a warm goodbye before parting. 

Wonderful mixed-media illustrations fill the book's pages with the poignancy of their homeless life, while also brimming with the love the two share. Though life is not easy, they have joyful moments when they are together. Sharing the book with an older audience will surely encourage discussion and further learning about what can be done to help those who need the help that this family (and so mnay others) deserves. 

Bird Brothers: A Delhi Story, written by Rina Singh and illustrated by Barkha Lohia. Orca Book Publishers, 2025. $21.95 ages

"As we grew older, Delhi become more crowded. 
More people. More cars. 

The sky turned a muted gray and remained like 
that for months. Eye-burning smog blanketed 
the city, swallowing monuments, streets and 
traffic for days. 

But what did not change was the black kites.
Abundant as ever, they faithfully swirled and 
swooped as if watching over us."

An author's note shares the true story of two brothers whose life in Delhi, India (one of the world's most populous cities) led them to notice that birds very important to the ecosystem of their city were injured every year by the nylon thread on paper kites, as well as other threats to their existence. 

Ms. Singh wanted to tell their story for young readers, and here it is. 

The two young boys loved to watch the raptors in Delhi skies. They were everywhere and the beauty of their flight was hypnotic. Their father would throw raw meat in the air and the black kites would dive down to catch it. Their father insisted it brought good luck. When kite flying season began, the birds had to fight for space in the skies above Delhi. The glass-coated threads used for the kite battles caused death for many birds. 

When the boys watched a bird fall from the sky, they rushed to where it landed. A thread had cut its wing. They gathered it up and took to a bird hospital where nothing could be done; they did not have the food they needed to keep it alive. The boys watched the bird die. 

As the city grew bigger and the sky grew smoggier, the birds continued to take up their space in the sky. Through the years, the boys watched without knowing how to help them survive the many accidents that befell them. Finally, they took one to a vet who was able to teach them how to care for the birds they so loved. In fact, one stayed with them for twelve years. They were consumed with caring for them and learned all they could to help them survive. No one loved those birds; the two brothers did. Their work continues today, with an NGO called Wildlife Rescue. Bravo to Nadeem and Mohammad!