Posted in Intermediate, Non-Fiction, picture books

Just in Case celebrates the Svalbard Global Seed Vault

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Just in Case: Saving Seeds in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, by Megan Clendenan/Illustrated by Britany Cicchese, (Oct. 2025, Charlesbridge Publishing), $17.99, ISBN: 9781623544805

Ages 5-8

Located deep in a Norwegian mountain is the key to protecting the planet’s resources: the Svalbard Seed Vault. Just in Case tells the story of the Svalbard vault using clear and easy-to-understand language; Clendenan infuses her straightforward narrative with beautiful language, pairing with Cicchese’s digital landscapes to inspire awe: “Steel doors open and beckon into the belly of a mountain. Inside the air is as cold as the Arctic outside. Walls of ice shine like stars”. Clendenan and Cicchese show people from all over the world coming together to farm, plant, and eat together, thus creating a respect for nature and what the planet provides. Callouts throughout the book provide further context the importance of seeds and the vault’s creation. Frequent use of the phrase, “Just in case”, resonates with readers of all ages who hear – and say – the same phrase for everything from bringing an umbrella on a cloudy day to carrying a purse-sized first aid kit. It’s a phrase that speaks of importance, the need to be prepared, and creates a bridge of understanding. Back matter includes information on the need for seed safety, an author’s note, a bibliography and further resources. If you haven’t purchased this for your shelves yet, please do it now.

With Spring coming, this is the perfect time to discuss Just in Case: the Svalbard Vault’s anniversary is February 26th; Earth Day is April 22nd, and World Food Day is October 16th. If your library has a seed library, display the book with your library’s “seed vault” and encourage folks to add their seeds to the library’s collection. Find Seed Libaries at the Seed Library Network website.

Just in Case has starred reviews from School Library Journal, The Horn Book, and was a Shelf Awareness pick. It is also a 2026 Orbis Pictus Award Winner and is part of the 2026 Children’s Book Council Outstanding Science Trade Books and Children’s Book Council Best STEM Books.

 

Megan Clendenan studied sociology, English, and environmental planning and has worked for nonprofit organizations focused on environmental law, women’s empowerment, mental health, and urban food security. As a children’s book author, she loves writing nonfiction that explores the connections between history, society, and the environment. She is the author of Design Like Nature: Biomimicry for a Healthy Planet, Fresh Air, Clean Water: Our Right to a Healthy Environment, and Cities: How Humans Live Together. She lives near Vancouver, British Columbia, with her family and two fuzzy orange cats. This is her first picture book. To learn more, visit meganclendenan.com. Follow her on Instagram at @meganclendenan.

Brittany Cicchese enjoys capturing emotion above all else, from expressive portraits to moody illustrations. She is the illustrator of The Kitten Story: A Mostly True Tale and No More Señora Mimí. When Brittany isn’t sketching or writing, you can find her working at the library, reading a good fantasy or sci-fi book, or hiking around the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Brittany lives in Denver, Colorado. To learn more, visit www.brittanycicchese.com. Visit her Instagram at @cicchese.art.
Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads

A drowsy bedtime adventure: You and I Are Stars and Night

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

You and I Are Stars and Night, by Kate Hosford/Illustrated by Richard Jones, (Feb. 2026, Beach Lane Books), $19.99, ISBN: 9781665940382

Ages 3-7

A mother and child go on a playful and loving adventure in this rhyming tale beginning at bath time, where the two set sail on a magical journey with picnics at the shore, playtime with mer-children, and a fantastic flight over a mountain. Rhyming text emphasizes the warm relationship between caregiver and child, each a part that completes the other: “Dive into the ocean spray / and watch the baby mermaids play. / The tides will pull us to and fro. / You and I are ebb and flow”. The adventure concludes as the two return home, curl up with a good bedtime story, and fall asleep. Acrylic and watercolor paintings add a soft, dreamlike quality to the gentle rhyming tale to usher listeners to sleep. A solid addition to bedtime story collections and a great choice for pajama storytimes and bedtime reading.

 

Posted in Intermediate, picture books

Rise, Girl, Rise: A Call to Young Women

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Rise, Girl, Rise: Our Sister-Friend Journey. Together for All, by Gloria Steinem & Leymah Gbowee/Illustrated by Kah Yangni, (Feb. 2026, Orchard Books), $19.99, ISBN: 9781338888942

Ages 4-8

“We come to this place from worlds apart…”: Two women raised on different sides of the world come together to tell their stories as young women and what brought them together to work on behalf of women all over the world. Steinem muses on her childhood as an antique dealer’s daughter, traveling the country in the trailer that served as her home; as she grew, she saw more and more injustices faced by women and people of color. Gbowee recalls her peaceful childhood in Liberia until war broke out in 1989, when she saw the injustices foisted upon women and children in particular. When Steinem and Gbowee meet and become “sister-friends”, they become “WE”: united, “Sister-speakers. Sister-preachers”, joined in their crusade for equality and human rights. Steinem and Gbowee’s words inspire and rally readers; Yangni’s mixed media and digital illustrations are bold and colorful with texture and life. An excellent choice for collections, and an inspired choice for Women’s History Month displays. Back matter includes authors’ notes. Find activity sheets here.

 

 

Gloria Steinem is a political activist, feminist organizer, and the author of many acclaimed books, including the national bestseller Revolution from Within: A Book of Self-Esteem. She is a contributor to the classic children’s book Free to Be You and Me, which became a children’s entertainment project, conceived, created, and executive-produced by actress and author Marlo Thomas, produced in collaboration with the Ms. Foundation for Women, and the Free to Be Foundation, both cofounded by Ms. Steinem, and most recently illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds.

Ms. Steinem is also the cofounder of the National Women’s Political Caucus and the Women’s Media Center. In keeping with her deep commitment to establishing equality throughout the world, Ms. Steinem helped found Equality Now, Donor Direct Action, and Direct Impact Africa. To learn more, visit gloriasteinem.com.

Nobel Peace laureate Leymah Gbowee is a Liberian peace activist, social worker, and women’s rights advocate. She is Founder and President of the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa, based in Monrovia. As a writer, Ms. Gbowee is the author of the inspirational memoir Mighty Be Our Powers: How Sisterhood, Prayer, and Sex Changed a Nation at War, and author of the children’s book A Community of Sisters, illustrated by Coleen Baik. Ms. Gbowee is perhaps best known for leading a nonviolent movement that brought together Christian and Muslim women to play a pivotal role in ending Liberia’s devastating, fourteen-year civil war in 2003.

Kah Yangni is the illustrator of Not He or She, I’m Me by A. M. Wild, a 2024 Stonewall Book Award Honor Book and the illustrator of The Making of Butterflies by Zora Neale Hurston and Ibram X. Kendi. Their art has been covered by NBC News, Ebony Magazine, Mic, and them, and their poster work is in the permanent collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Free Library of Philadelphia. Kah lives and works in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Posted in Fiction, Fiction, Graphic Novels, Intermediate, Middle Grade

A new hero shall rise… Zicky!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King, by Darin S. Cape/Illustrated by Zeno Decrux & Hiorsh Gabotto, (March 2026, SHP Comics), $18.99, ISBN: 9798992749939

Ages 7-10

Zicky – short for Zackary – is a 4-year-old who goes adventuring in his dreams, powered by his magic ring that turns into a pacifier during his waking hours. His older brother and sister tease him; his father and mother nurture him and encourage his storytelling. What no one realizes is Zicky’s magical world is real, and the Rat King of his dream world is working on a plan to infiltrate Zicky’s world, accompanied by his army of rats and his mysterious overlord who has plans of his own. A fun intermediate and middle grade story paired, this adventure incorporates Isekai manga with Western storytelling and showcases fun and dynamic illustration with a fun protagonist and supporting cast. There are some true moments of brilliance in the illustration, as when Zicky exits his dream world by falling into his bed, transforming back into Zackary. There are wonderful moments where readers catch denizens of the dream world in the everyday world, investing readers in both spaces. Fantasy readers will enjoy the otherworldly story; intermediate readers will appreciate the protagonist struggling with being a “big kid” who’s teased by his older siblings. A nice additional purchase for graphic novel collections.

 

Posted in Fiction, Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Science Fiction, Tween Reads

Welcome to the Galactic Peacekeepers Society!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Ami and the Galactic Peacekeepers: Book One, by Frances Lee, (Feb. 2026, Levine Querido), $15.99, ISBN: 9781646145799

Ages 8-12

Welcome to the Galactic Peacekeepers! This first book in a new sci-fi trilogy for middle grade introduces readers to a trio of Galactic Peacekeepers: Ami, a human girl trying to get back to her mother and dog on Earth, and her friends Sumo, a sensitive alien who resembles a giant bunny, and Rosa, a slightly caustic, sharklike alien. Together with an AI called M.O.M., the Peacekeepers travel throughout the galaxy helping their galactic neighbors: delivering birthday gift s (and teaching lessons about gratitude), escorting the planet Saturn to a shooting star show, helping displaced aliens; that sort of thing. Ami also acts as a go-between for Sumo and Rosa, who need help regulating their emotions and behavior from time to time. At the heart of Ami’s story, though, is a desire to get back home; to do that, she needs to learn which galaxy houses Earth, so she can find a way there. Ami is protective, caring and defending both of her friends and anyone else who needs her help. Lee’s illustration is bright, bold, and eye-catching, with loads of adorable new aliens to discover. Endpapers feature The Galactic News, a newspaper reporting on stories that give readers some extra context on Ami’s universe. A fun first entry; graphic novel fans will enjoy this one.

 

Posted in History, Middle School, Teen, Uncategorized, Young Adult/New Adult

A powerful history of the Armenian genocide: Armaveni by Nadine Takvorian

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Armaveni: A Graphic Novel of the Armenian Genocide, by Nadine Takvorian, (March 2026, Levine Querido), $18.99, ISBN: 9781646146536

Ages 12-18

Nadine Takvorian’s semi-autobiographical graphic novel, Armaveni, is a powerful story of the Armenian genocide of 1915 and its reverberations to this day. High schooler Nadine wants to know more about her family’s Armenian and Turkish history, but it’s too painful a subject for her parents, whose families were directly affected, to talk about. When her parents finally decide it’s time to tell their families’ stories, Nadine and her brother, Sayat, want to know more. They join a church group visit to Armenia and book a side trip to visit family in Istanbul, where they learn the true horror of the genocide. Fundamentally changed, Nadine returns home and confronts her teacher’s prejudice. Takvorian tells her family’s story in a strong voice that moves between history and contemporary – the novel is set in 2001 – to give readers a full historical document. The mythical phoenix is a symbol running through the story that describes for both Nadine’s awakening to herself as an Armenian-American with a full understanding of her history and the history of the Armenian people. As put by Nadine herself, “Armenians exist.Welcome home.” Back matter includes photos, an author’s note, a glossary, and resources for further reading. Armaveni deserves a place on graphic novel memoirs including Persepolis, Maus, and March. A recommended first purchase.

Posted in Fiction, Middle Grade, Teen, Tween Reads

Tales from the TBR: Dear Mothman by Robin Gow

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Dear Mothman, by Robin Gow, (March 2023, Amulet Books), $18.99, ISBN: 9781419764400

Ages 10-14

Noah is a sixth grader whose best friend, Lewis, has recently died in a car accident. Lewis was also the only other trans boy in their school, leaving Noah bereft. Remembering Lewis’s favorite cryptid, Mothman, Noah begins writing to Mothman as he works through his feelings and hopes Mothman will eventually connect with him. As Noah works through his grief, he starts making new friends at school, but is reticent to share Mothman – or, inititally himself – with them. When he decides to make his science fair project about Mothman, his classmates laugh at him and his teachers attempt to steer him in another direction, but Noah is focused: he believes Mothman is in communication with him, and he’s determined to find him. He heads off into the woods to find the cryptid for himself. Written in verse in the form of journal entries and characters’ thoughts, Dear Mothman is an aching exploration of grief and identity. There are beautiful moments, like the formation of Noah’s new friends and relationships and deeply moving moments as Noah delves into his loss, being open about his identity, and his fledgling relationship with Hanna, a fellow classmate. I loved every single moment I spent with this novel. A paperback version released in October 2024. Cryptids are a surprising and fun trend for tweens these days, so take the opportunity to engage your readers and put this one on your shelf.

Dear Mothman has starred reviews from School Library Journal and Booklist. It was a Bookpage selection, an Indie Next pick, and a 2024 Lambda Literary Award Winner (LGBTQ+ Middle Grade).

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads, Uncategorized

Celebrate Passover in Argentina: The Passover Pet Surprise by Ana María Shua & Ángeles Ruiz

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

The Passover Pet Surprise, by Ana María Shua/Illustrated by Ángeles Ruiz, (March 2026, NorthSouth Books), $19.95, ISBN: 9780735846081

Ages 4-8

Jordanita and her family live in Miami, but head to Argentina to spend the Passover holiday with their family. Jordanita loves spending time with her Argentina family, Uncle Ariel, Aunt Verónica, and cousin Ilán; they have a big garden with plenty of places to play hide-and-seek, and they have so many pets! There are two dogs, a cat, two turtles, and two parrots named Tic and Toc. Who could ask for more? As the family spends time together, Jordanita notices Tic and Toc are in a cage while the other animals roam freely. After listening to the Passover story and her family talk about freedom, she decides that all living things should be free. A story of love, family, and faith, Shua’s writing is filled with warmth; Jordanita’s innocent mistake is based in a desire to do good. Ruiz’s illustrations bring an explosion of joyful color on each spread. The English language version of the book includes some Spanish vocabulary. A delightful story that also carries lessons on caring for pets. A recommended purchase for holiday collections.

The Passover Pet Surprise has a starred review from School Library Journal.

Posted in picture books, Toddler Reads, Uncategorized

Read Black KidLit: Beautiful Black Boy by Sophia Robinson & Ken Daley

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Beautiful Black Boy, by Sophia Robinson/Illustrated by Ken Daley, (Apr. 2026, Orchard Books), $19.99, ISBN: 9781338864649

Ages 3-7

Beautiful Black Boy is a celebration of Blackness, inspiring young Black boys to feel confidence and pride. Each spread is an explosion of joy, with affirmational wording to fill readers with positivity: “Beautiful Black Boy, / You are strong. / You can do anything you set your mind to”; “Beautiful Black Boy, / You are full of hope. / Always live your life with an open heart and mind”. Powerful words, like strong, hope, resilient, and leader are bolded for emphasis; each spread incorporates the page’s verse into the illustration, building the words into the background. Bold and bright colors show a full range of active Black children smiling, their gazes turned upward; expressions of wonder and elation on their faces. Robinson’s words pair with Daley’s beautiful illustrations to show children they are seen, appreciated, and loved. A recommended first purchase for picture book collections.

 

SOPHIA ROBINSON was born and raised in Ontario, Canada. She has been an elementary school teacher for over 20 years, where she shares her love of picture books with her students.

KEN DALEY is an award-winning artist/illustrator and veteran educator for over twenty years from Tillsonburg, Ontario. His art and illustrations are inspired by his African-Caribbean heritage, and he has exhibited his work in Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean. Ken has illustrated numerous children’s books and has received an Américas Award Honor Book and a Kirkus Best Picture Book for Auntie Luce’s Talking Paintings.

Posted in Adventure, Fiction, Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Tween Reads

BookMail is the best mail!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Who doesn’t love seeing a box with your name on it just waiting for you? Lately, I’ve gotten some really good book mail. I started off the month with a box of goodies from Scholastic (including candy!) in anticipation of their Spring Releases Party, which was pretty awesome. Next up, more Scholastic mail: I requested a kit promoting the new graphic novel, Snowlands, by Morr Meroz with art by Collin Fogel.  Look at this awesome box!

 

The kit includes packs of laptop stickers, posters, a shelf-talker, and packs of trading cards. The paperback release is coming up this week, so I may surprise the kids with a book release party when my branch’s copies arrive. Scholastic has a Snowlands webpage with coloring and activity sheets (plus a trailer and excerpt); maybe I’ll come up with a fun wolf craft for extra giggles. Let’s see!

Snowlands is the story of Feba, an orphaned wolf cub whose white fur is perceived as a bad omen. She’s forced away from her pack, and meets a group of animals while on the run. Together, this found family of wolf, leopard, and wildcat face danger on the Snowlands. A Blood Moon is the first in this new series!

Next up, I received this awesome box with goodies promoting Dan Santat’s next graphic novel, Sashimi (coming out in April). Look at this box!

 

A Fishboy Named Sashimi is about a fishboy creature who pretends to be a real kid. It’s the first in a new series that’s “all about friendship, embracing your inner weirdness, and just having a lot of laughs”. This sounds like a great read, and not just because Dan Santat is on my shortlist of authors from whom I would read a grocery list and pronounce it great. Look for a post on this soon, because the box also came with an advanced reader copy, a water bottle, and Chum Chow Fish Flakes, which I’m intrigued by… it’s gotta be candy, right?