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The Official Trailer for The Pout-Pout Fish Movie just splashed down!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

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.

The Pout-Pout Fish was Produced in Association with Macmillan Publishers. Produced with
the assistance of The Post Lounge Pty Ltd. Financed by Alceon Entertainment Partners Pty Ltd.
Production Financing Arranged by Eclectik Vision Capital Pty Ltd. Post Production, Digital and
Visual Effects work undertaken in Queensland, Australia with funding from Screen Queensland.
Produced by MIMO Studios. Produced by Like A Photon Creative. © 2025 Like A Photon
Creative Pty Ltd.

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.

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My First Milestones kicks off with Ready to Walk

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

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.

 

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The eternal dilemma: Put Your Shoes On by Polly Dunbar

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

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.

 

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A new Rainbow Fish adventure!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

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.

Find more about Rainbow Fish books, plus resources and coloring pages, at the Rainbow Fish webpage.

 

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The Smallest Bird is perfect for If You Give a Mouse… readers

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

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!

 

 

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The Elevator on 74th Street is cheery

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

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.

 

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A moving story of grandfathers and home: Dedushka

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

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.

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Rainy Day for Tortas Fritas! Yum!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Rainy Day for Tortas Fritas, by Lau Moraiti, (Sept. 2025, Paw Prints Publishing), $21.99, ISBN: 9781223189147

Ages 5-8

It’s a rainy day in Uruguay, and that means one thing: it’s time for Dad to make his tortas! “Crispy and golden on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside”, tortas are a doughy treat that can be enjoyed with sugar, dulce de leche, or jam, and our narrator can’t wait for Dad to get in the kitchen. This fun family story is full of family, fun, and food: the perfect way to cheer up a dull and rainy day. Phonetic spelling under some words helps kids with pronunciation of new words like mate (mah-teh) and dulce de leche (dool-zeh deh leh-cheh). The chaos of waiting as the kids play a game and not-so-patiently await the tortas adds playfulness to the story, and the stretchy, colorful fonts make for a fun readaloud. A note from the author explains her father as the inspiration for the story and a tasty recipe for tortas fritas makes sure to suggest an adult’s help. A cute additional purchase for picture book collections.

 

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Jasper Rabbit goes Twilight Zone with Creepy Tales

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Troubling Tonsils! (Jasper Rabbit’s Creepy Tales), by Aaron Reynolds/Illustrated by Peter Brown, (Sept. 2025, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers), $13.99, ISBN: 9781665961080

Ages 6-9

Kids (okay, and adults) who loved the earlier adventures of Jasper Rabbit, hero of Creepy Carrots!, Creepy Crayon!, and my personal favorite, Creepy Pair of Underwear!, get ready: Jasper is back with a new chapter book series, Creepy Tales. The first up is Troubling Tonsils!, the strange story of Charlie Marmot, an average, everyday marmot who lives in a house, wears clothes, and goes to school. Charlie’s looking forward to Halloween when he develops a sore throat; Mom brings him to the doctor, and the verdict is in: it’s tonsilitis, and the tonsils have to come out. Delighted at the prospect of having his red, inflamed tonsils kept in a pickle jar to show off at school, Charlie is all in. On the day of the surgery, though, the strangest thing happens: there are no tonsils to be found! Where did those fleshy lumps go? Things get creepier once Charlie goes home and heads to bed… Reynolds and Brown’s stories grow beautifully with their audience, graduating to chapter books with all the creepy humor readers loved in the picture books. Brown’s illustration, rendered in shades of grey with a punch of occasional red for impact, is a joy to look at. Jasper Rabbit, clad in a Rod Serling-like suit and wearing a grim expression, bringing readers into an intermediate reader-level Twilight Zone story. Reynolds injects his trademark humor into the narrative; for instance, Jasper encourages readers that “enjoy peeing their pants for a variety of reasons” to continue on with the story; Charlie’s mother believes his sore throat is due to his adenoids, which “is secret knowledge… imparted only to mothers and those in the medical community”. A brilliant introduction to what promises to be a popular new creepy chapter book series for readers. Don’t miss.

Troubling Tonsils! has starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, and Shelf Awareness. It was also an Indie Next pick.

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Spoopy Halloween is coming!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Spoops: The Little Spirits of Halloween, by A.J. Locascio/Illustrated by Laurie Conley, (Aug. 2025, Top Shelf Productions), $14.99, ISBN: 9781603095617

Ages 5-8

Halloween gets an adorable rhyming fantasy fable! Spoops is a charming tale in verse of a young girl named Holly Hollowell, a girl obsessed with Halloween. The only problem? Her parents are both dentists and won’t let her celebrate! Silly parents, they think Halloween is only about cavity-inducing candy and refuse to listen to Holly’s pleas, not even letting her wear a costume or carve a jack-o’-lantern. This Halloween, Holly’s parents head out to a dental tech convention, leaving Holly home alone to make a wish on the pumpkin she secretly purchased from a shop on the edge of town. Wishing to be part of Halloween and for her parents’ understanding, Holly’s wish is heard by Spoops, cheery little Halloween spirits hatched in the pumpkin patch. Representing all sorts of cute Halloween fare, there are candy corn ghost Spoops, owls and witch Spoops, leaf and bat Spoops, and even the cutest plague doctor Spoops you’ve ever seen. The Spoops all gather to Holly’s side and put on the most magical Halloween, with Holly front and center to enjoy the holiday she’s waited to celebrate! What happens when her parents come home, though? Not to worry: the Spoops have it all taken care of, and the family will celebrate Halloween in plenty of fun, non-tooth-decaying ways. The two-color orange and black illustration has a cozy, retro feel to it that will enchant moms, dads, and grands. The message about being free to express oneself and take part in things that make us happy is clearly communicated, and it’s nice to see parents that get on board with – and acknowledge that they were wrong! – their children’s interests. This is a fun Halloween read that kids will reach for every year when that first bit of crisp weather hits the air.