How Ursula Marvin Mapped Moon Rocks and Meteorites, by Sandra Neil Wallace/Illustrated by Nancy Carpenter, (Oct. 2025, Simon & Schuster), $19.99, ISBN: 9781534493339
Ages 7-12
While women were being told to stay home and learn to cook, Ursula Marvin was breaking barriers in science. The future geologist was told exactly that by a male professor when she attended college in the early 1940s; luckily for all of us, she disregarded the “advice” and went on to pursue a degree in geology, eventually earning a master’s and Ph.D. in the field. She believed that meteorites were the key to unlocking the solar system’s origins; it was a belief that “revolutionized how scientists saw the solar system”. She travelled to Antarctica to continue her research, facing bitter temperatures and project setbacks to become the first woman to search for meteorites at the bottom of the world, where Antarctica’s mountains held rocks “blasted from asteroids and maybe even the moon”. She fought sexism and broke barriers throughout her career and was responsible for forming foundational theories in planet geology. Wallace’s writing is informative and accessible, concentrating on details for readers to increase their interest: the process of setting up camp on the “oldest ice in the world”; the 50 pounds of clothing Marvin had to pack to keep warm; the moments of self-doubt, and the excitement of studying the first lunar meteorite, located in Antarctica while she was recovering from an injury back at home. Rock Star has a starred review from Kirkus.
The Agatha Case Files: Welcome to Kittyville!, by Paul Martin/Illustrated by Camille Roy, (Sept. 2025, Twirl Books), $18.99, ISBN: 9791036381447
Ages 5+
Agatha has moved to Kittyville with one goal in mind: to become a detective! The first case begins as she gets off the train: someone has stolen a scientist’s briefcase! Newly emerging readers and more confident, chapter book readers will love this fun, illustrated book containing eight mysteries. Each mystery contains a setup and an illustrated spread with clue prompts for readers. Readers can check and see if their investigation proved correct at the end of the book. Readers who enjoy I Spy books will be well practiced for this one: there are a lot of details to catch! The cartoony illustration is bold and bright, and the writing provokes thought and attention to details. Agatha Kitty (I don’t know if that’s her last name, but that’s what I’m calling her) is an Agatha Christie for the Cam Jansen set. Give this fun book a try where readers like seek-and-find and puzzle books.
The Ultimate Book of the Human Body, by Anne-Sophie Baumann/Illustrated by Vanessa Robidou, (Sept. 2025, Twirl Books), $24.99, ISBN: 9791027613649
Ages 8-12
Who says preschoolers should have all the fun? This introduction to anatomy is filled with flaps and pulls and is perfect for middle graders. The Ultimate Book of the Human Body includes more than 60 pull tabs, flaps, and pop ups and is loaded with information for readers. It’s an oversized book, creating space for a wealth of information, neatly organized on each spread. Unfold a model of the brain, clearly labeled with areas and what function each area controls; use a pull tab to see how our diaphragms move on each inhale and exhale. Study teeth development through different ages using flaps of a child’s developing face; follow a poop’s journey as it moves through the intestine. Detailed illustrations accompany expert-reviewed information on the body and its functions. Illustrations feature a diverse group of individuals. This is great for middle grade science class collections and reference collections. If you’re putting a copy into circulation, keep a backup handy: the moving parts will wear out quickly with hard use. The Ultimate Book of the Human Body is part of Twirl’s Ultimate series, including The Ultimate Book of Animals and The Ultimate Book of Planet Earth. Spruce up your STEM/STEAM library with the set!
How much fun is this news? The Pout-Pout Fish is going to be a movie, with voice actors including Nick Offerman (best choice ever for Pout-Pout), Amy Sedaris, and Jordin Sparks! Take a look at the trailer, right here!
From the official press release:
“In the film adaptation, Emmy winner Nick Offerman leads an ensemble voice cast that also
features Nina Oyama, SAG Award winner Miranda Otto, Remy Hii, with Grammy nominee
Jordin Sparks and Emmy nominee Amy Sedaris. The film is directed by Ricard Cussó and codirected
by Rio Harrington and was written by Elise Allen, Elie Choufany and Dominic Morris.
The Pout-Pout Fish is the hilarious and heartwarming story of an unlikely duo: Mr. Fish
(Offerman) a pouty introvert and Pip (Oyama) an energetic sea dragon, who embark on a
daunting quest to find a legendary fish to grant their wish to save their homes.
“The Pout-Pout Fish has been cherished in classrooms and homes around the world, teaching
lessons of friendship, bravery, and self-discovery to an entire generation,” said Victor Elizalde,
CEO of Viva Pictures. “Bringing this beloved story to theaters reflects Viva’s commitment to
championing iconic IP and delivering bold, franchise-worthy animation. With its educational
legacy, global readership, and stunning adaptation for the big screen, The Pout-Pout Fish is
poised to inspire audiences everywhere.”
“The Pout-Pout Fish began as a single book and has since grown into a global franchise
embraced by readers, educators, and families everywhere,” said Jen Besser, President and
Publisher at Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group. “The film marks an exciting step in
expanding the world of The Pout-Pout Fish beyond publishing and onto the big screen.”
“From the first draft and designs, The Pout-Pout Fish had us hooked. We’re thrilled to see
buyers worldwide share our love for this unlikely duo — a pouty loner and a high-energy sea
dragon,” said Sola Media’s Managing Director, Solveig Langeland. “Viva is the perfect partner
for a wide U.S. release, and we’re confident they’ll reach the large North American audience
that already loves the bestselling book.”
The Pout-Pout Fish is 89 minutes.”
The Pout-Pout Fish is produced by Australian-based production company Like A Photon
Creative, MIMO Studios and Macmillan Publishers, who also financed.
About Viva Pictures
Viva Pictures is a leading independent film production studio and all rights distributor dedicated
to delivering world-class family entertainment to global audiences. With a diverse portfolio of
animated films and original films in production, Viva Pictures strives to captivate and engage
viewers, fostering a love for storytelling and cinema for all ages. Recent successes include The
Amazing Maurice, which Viva debuted at the Sundance Film Festival before its wide theatrical
release, Night of the Zoopocalypse, and HITPIG, which played on over 2,000 screens
nationwide. Upcoming wide releases include Pets on a Train in theaters October 17 and Grand
Prix of Europe in theaters November 7. In addition, Viva Pictures has an equity interest in the
3D animation studio 3Doubles Producciones and continues to develop a slate of new
productions. Viva Pictures also owns Kidsflix, a kid-safe, parent-friendly FAST channel and
destination to stream free movies and TV series. Kidsflix is available on iTunes, Google Play,
Roku, and major TV brands worldwide.
For more information, visit vivafilmco.com. https://www.vivafilmco.com/
Facebook: @vivakidsfilms
Instagram:@vivakidsfilms
YouTube: @vivapictures
About Macmillan Publishers
Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group is comprised of eleven imprints: Balzer + Bray, Farrar
Straus Giroux Books for Young Readers, Feiwel and Friends, First Second, Godwin Books,
Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, Odd Dot, Neon Squid, Priddy Books, Roaring Brook
Press, and Square Fish. These imprints are home to award-winning, New York Times–
bestselling authors, including Madeleine L’Engle, Natalie Babbitt, Leigh Bardugo, Gene Luen
Yang, Tomi Adeyemi, Marissa Meyer, Eric Carle, Nick Bruel, Loren Long, Angeline Boulley,
Nancy Tillman, John Patrick Green, George M. Johnson, Eoin Colfer, and hundreds more
popular authors and illustrators. Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group is proud to publish
many of the classics of children’s literature, including A Wrinkle in Time.
Ready to Walk (My First Milestones), by Lee Wildish, (Oct. 2025, Workman Kids), $8.99, ISBN: 9871523529063
Ages Birth-2
This book made me squeal! An adorable toddler is ready to take her first steps, and lets readers share the excitement with her. With rhyming text and counting to three – and a little help from Daddy and her dog – the little girl stands up and takes her steps: 1, 2, 3! Walking is new, so she has a little bit of a fall, but that’s okay; she’s ready to get up and go again, and when she masters that… it’s time to run! The first in a new series from Workman Kids, Ready to Walk has simple, brief sentences and bright, colorful illustration. The girl and her father are brown-skinned. Perfect for lapsits or cuddle time, these are great for library collections and home collections.
Put Your Shoes On, by Polly Dunbar, (June 2025, Candlewick Press), $18.99, ISBN: 9781536242973
Ages 3-6
Polly Dunbar brings an everyday occurrence to amusing life in Put Your Shoes On. Josh and his mom are getting ready to head out to Auntie Nelly’s birthday party, if he would just put his shoes on. Mom asks and asks, but Josh is off in a daydream inhabited by fun, childlike drawings. Mom is starting to get a little frustrated now, though, so Josh really needs to put those shoes on! Dunbar brings joy and humor to a very common scenario and includes a moment when Mom, as do most of us, have had enough; she also shows the best way for grownups to walk back the frustration and meet toddlers and littles where they are with love and understanding. An adorable caterpillar shows up on spreads to spark more visual interest. Pen, watercolor, marker, and crayon illustration adds a childlike playfulness to the pages. This one went over very well in the two storytimes where I’ve read it; my moms smiled and nodded knowingly to one another all the way through, and the kids cackled with glee. A good add for collections.
Rainbow Fish and the Great Escape, by Marcus Pfister, Translation by David Henry Wilson, (Oct. 2025, NorthSouth Books), $19.95, ISBN: 9780735845909
Ages 4-8
The Rainbow Fish returns with an environmental adventure! Spending time with friends, Rainbow Fish learns from passing fish that there is a scary net trawling the ocean and sea creatures are being caught up in it. Not long after, a trawl net invades Rainbow Fish’s part of the sea and captures his friends! Luckily, Rainbow Fish thinks quickly and gets help from crabs and lobsters who happily clip the nets and free everyone. It’s a close call, and Pfister creates a story that explains the environmental impact of overfishing, from the disruption of sea life and biodiversity to the damage done to habitats. It’s a thoughtful addition to the Rainbow Fish series and will work nicely with environmental stories, too.
The Smallest Bird: A Friendship Story, by Joy Belin/Illustrated by Sarah Hwang, (June 2025, Holiday House), $18.99, ISBN: 9780823456994
Ages 3-7
To befriend a small bird, you have to be careful not to scare him. Be gentle and kind. Share your snacks. Bring him to your secret hiding place and show him you’re so happy to be his friend by singing a song, maybe even dance a little dance. If he is ready to go, remember that the smallest bird is meant to fly… but if you’re patient, know that he’ll come back to his friend. This sweet story is reminiscent of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie and other cumulative tales. Each step the featured boy makes allows the smallest bird to feel more secure; their friendship progresses through a series of actions, briefly explained with Belin’s direct prose. The digital artwork is cheerful, bright, and unfussy. This was a popular selection for my latest readaloud. Try it with your groups!
The Elevator on 74th Street, by Laura Gehl/Illustrated by Yas Imamura, (Sept. 2025, Beach Lane Books), $19.99, ISBN: 9781665905077
Ages 4-8
Do you ever think your building’s elevator has it out for you? Well, Ellie the Elevator is not one of those elevators. She loves her job, even when the people she works for don’t notice her, and she has a favorite person: Thea, the little girl who was born just as Ellie was installed in her building. She’s watched Ellie grow up and make a best friend, and feels terrible when Thea’s best friend moves away. Nothing she does manages to cheer Thea: not lighting up floors in a “T” shape, playing her favorite song over and over, even keeping her safe from a neighbor who wears a lot of perfume. When a new girl moves into the building, though, Ellie’s mission is set: get these two girls to be friends! Gehl’s storytelling is always playful and fun to read and Imamura’s mixed media illustration present a bevy of individuals in the building, all with personalities you can guess at with a glance. Ellie the Elevator has lights that look like eyes, complete with happy pink lights reflecting and standing in for cheeks. Her floor numbers curve, giving her a smile, when her mission is complete. All in all, a feel-good, playful story that kids will enjoy. A recommended first purchase, especially in areas where readers live in buildings.
Dedushka: Memories of My Grandpa and Ukraine, by Katerina Spaeth, (Sept. 2025, Paw Prints Publishing), $19.99, ISBN: 9781223188973
Ages 6-8
Spaeth reminisces about her Ukranian childhood and her grandfather in this moving story. Growing up in 1990s Kharkiv, Ukraine, young Katerina does everything with her Dedushka: her grandfather. Recalled as a series of memories, young Spaeth and her grandfather spend their days together making art, waiting in line for groceries, and gardening. Dedushka teaches his granddaughter life lessons both joyful and bittersweet; he teaches her to hold her groceries close so no one can steal them, and he teaches her how to peel and eat a freshly cooked potato so that she won’t get burned. As Dedushka gets older and his eyesight worsens, Katerina reads signs and price tags for him. Sharing tea, the two “figured out how to run the entire country”; he read the newspaper to her, making up the voices as he went. Spaeth recalls the tenth anniversary of Ukranian independence, when Dedushka gifted her a red coral necklace, and she meditates on what she falls back on in Ukraine’s dark days: “There are times when the world feels dark and overcast, but thanks to the beautiful childhood Dedushka gave me, even the rainiest, windiest days are covered with his love”. Mixed media artwork has warmth and texture and includes touches of Ukranian culture, including stitchwork, sunflowers, and clothing references. Back matter includes recipes, an author’s note and photographs, and a glossary. A lovely addition to collections.
How Ursula Marvin Mapped Moon Rocks and Meteorites, by Sandra Neil Wallace/Illustrated by Nancy Carpenter, (Oct. 2025, Simon & Schuster), $19.99, ISBN: 9781534493339
Mom Read It 