Early Reader Review: A Trophy for the Jackal by Jule Wellerdiek

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

A Trophy for the Jackal by Jule Wellerdiek 

Publisher: NorthSouth Books
Publication Date:  September 8, 2026

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

This humorous tale of competition from creator Jule Wellerdiek will have winners and runners-up alike laughing out loud at Jackal’s many antics.

All Jackal has ever wanted is to win a fancy trophy. But when Goose wins the best hairdo competition, he decides that it’s time he take matters into his own paws. Jackal very quickly discovers that awards aren’t that special when everyone gets one . . .

A laugh-out-loud story about competition and sportsmanship that will speak to every reader’s innermost desire to win

Review: 

This book follows Jackal, who is excited to enter the Best Hairdo Competition. However, when he doesn't win, he becomes very upset. Rather than accepting that we can't always be winners, he creates an award just for himself. Soon, all the other animals do the same, and before long, everyone has a trophy.

I found this book to be funny and entertaining, and the illustrations and animal characters will likely appeal to young readers. The story opens up opportunities for conversations about competition, sportsmanship, ad handling disappointment.

However, I'm not entirely convinced that the overall message comes across clearly. One of my concerns is that it may unintentionally encourage the idea that everyone should receive an award simply for participating, rather than teaching children how to cope with not winning. Jackal also displays bad behavior throughout the story, including being selfish and lying to others, which may require additional discussion with younger readers.

That said, the book does have several strengths. It uses humor effectively, the story is engaging, and it creates a great opportunity for parents, caregivers, and teachers to talk about important life lessons such as resilience, fairness, and how to celebrate others' successes.

Overall, while I enjoyed the funny story and all the emotive animals, I think this book works best as a read-aloud that includes adult guidance and discussion rather than as a standalone lesson about competition and sportsmanship. It is a fun story, but readers may need help unpacking the message behind Jackal's actions.

Back to School Round-Up with Penguin Young Readers

Today we are showcasing Back to School with titles from Penguin Young Readers. Many thanks to Penguin for letting me review some of these amazing titles. 

Here are three of their Children's book releases that are out now!

Take a look!

Forty the Fortune Teller by Drew Daywalt, Illustrated by Kevin Cornell
Publisher: Philomel Books
Publication Date:  February 24, 2026 

About the Book:

What's a fortune teller to do when she's dropped on the ground half-finished when the bell rings to mark the end of recess? Make friends and save the day, that's what! 

In this hilarious graphic novel-style picture book, Forty the Fortune Teller, along with her friends Potato Chip and Basketball convince a team of chewed-up chewing gum to help repair the playground slide so that the kids at school won't get hurt.  

This story is totally wacky, totally adorable, and a perfect read-aloud for a storytime.

  

Rating:

Review: 

What a cool concept for a book - a fortune teller. I have not thought about those in years! The books end-pages even teach you how to make one!

This was a fun read. The illustrations are colorful and plentiful, with lots of little scenes and fun details filling each page. The story about Forty the Fortune Teller is cute and a little silly, and some of the fortunes are sure to make kids laugh. 

I also loved the way the book encourages spelling and counting practice thought Forty, even though it doesn't feel like a lesson. It also does a good job highlighting the importance of teamwork and helping others. 

There was a lot packed into this story, making it feel more substantial than a typical picture book. It was a fun and adorable read.

About the Author

Drew Daywalt is the author of many books, including the blockbuster #1 New York Times bestselling The Day the Crayons Quit and its sequels, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers, as well as The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors, illustrated by Adam Rex; Twinkle Twinkle Little Kid, illustrated by Molly Idle; The Wrong Book, illustrated by Alex Willmore; and many more. He lives in California with his wife, two children, and multiple pets. 

You can visit Drew Daywalt at DrewDaywalt.com

The Crayons' Book of Manners by Drew Daywalt, Illustrated by Oliver Jeffers

Publisher: Philomel Books

Publication Date: May 19, 2026

About the Book

The Crayons are ready to learn how to polite. But what do they need to know? When to say please and thank you? How to eat neatly? What to do when they have to (uh-oh!) burp? This laugh-out-loud addition to the Crayons mini book series will teach children their manners as they giggle at the Crayons' missteps.

Rating:

Review:  

This was a cute addition to the Crayons series. I like the simple illustrations and the way each page focuses on the Crayons and their bad manners. 

I think one of the best opportunities for learning comes from discussing what the Crayons are doing versus what the text is telling us they should be doing. While I liked the focus on manners, I would have preferred to see the Crayons correct each incident as it happened rather than having everything resolved with an “I’m sorry” at the end. 

I also wasn’t a fan of “my bad” being used as an apology, especially in a book meant to teach young children about good manners. But any book about manners is welcome and the Crayons are good teachers of what not to do. 

About the Illustrator 

Oliver Jeffers makes art and tells stories. His books include How to Catch a Star; Lost and Found, which was the recipient of the prestigious Nestlé Children's Book Prize Gold Award in the UK and was later adapted into an award-winning animated film; and the New York Times bestsellers Here We Are, What We'll Build, Stuck, This Moose Belongs to Me, and Once Upon an Alphabet. He is also, of course, the illustrator of the #1 smash-hit Crayons series, written by Drew Daywalt. His fine art is world-renowned, and his dip-art exhibitions are much-sought-after events. Originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, Oliver now splits his time between Belfast and Brooklyn, New York. 

You can visit Oliver Jeffers online at OliverJeffers.com or follow him on Instagram @OliverJeffers.

Pencil & Eraser: New Friends Rule by Jenny Alvarado

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: January 6, 2026

About the Book

Pencil and Eraser complement each other perfectly, like any best buds should. Who else could help Pencil when she messes up her drawings in art class? But what if she didn't make any mistakes? Enter Ruler, a new friend who can easily help Pencil keep her lines straight, without any need to ever erase again...

When these school supplies learn a green crayon has gone missing, Pencil insists her new bud Ruler join their quest to save them. The two hit it off immediately, building off each other’s wacky ideas. And as the sole voice of reason, Eraser quickly starts to feel like the odd one out. With Stella and the rest of the students due back form lunch any minute, and each of their plans to rescue Green a bigger disaster than the last, can our dynamic duo learn to work as a trio before it’s too late?

Rating:

Review: 

I really enjoyed this book! The school supply characters were adorable, and I loved following Pencil, Eraser, and Ruler on their adventure to find Green Crayon. 

The graphic novel format and little jokes that break up the chapters make this feel like a great choice for beginner and early readers. I also loved the themes of finding new friends, values of friendship, trying new things, and learning about teamwork. 

The story was funny and entertaining, and I have to admit it even made me excited for school supply shopping again even though I don't need to any more. I can only imagine it will get young readers excited too.

About the Author

Jenny Alvarado is an author and illustrator of books for kids. She lives in Palm Bay,
Florida with her family. Making friends doesn’t always come easy to her, but she is so happy when she makes new ones. 

You can find more of her work at www.JennyABooks.com or follow her @JennyABooks on social media 

Recent Reads: Whale, That Was Unexpected by Casey Lyall,

Source: From Librarything Early Reviews program in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Whale, That Was Unexpected by Casey Lyall, Illustrated by Kathryn Durst

Publisher: Tundra Books

Publication Date:  June 30, 2026 

 

Format: Hardback

Rating:

Synopsis: 

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.

Review: 

Old Maude is a bit of a grump, and she heads out on her boat with her dog, Claude. Unfortunately, their normal outing takes an unexpected turn when they are eaten by a whale. Once they find themselves inside the whale, they decide there’s really only one thing to do: have a farewell party. Of course, things don’t go quite as planned. More and more animals crash their goodbye plans, forcing Maude and Claude to start the party over a few times.

Such a cute and silly book! It’s definitely a little macabre in the sense that the story revolves around the possibility of Maude and Claude dying inside a whale, but somehow it manages to make the whole situation feel playful and fun rather than scary. The rhyming scheme is especially enjoyable, and I think reading it aloud and gradually picking up the pace would make it even more entertaining for young readers. There’s a great rhythm to the story that feels like it would lend itself really well to an animated, energetic read-aloud.

My favorite part, though, was the breaking of the 4th wall. Maude and the narrator actually talk to each other, which adds a fun layer of humor and gives readers another reason to giggle. 

Overall, this is a quirky, funny story. It has just enough silliness and dark humor to make it memorable, and I think it would be especially fun to share as a read-aloud.

Disability Pride Month: All The Ways We Learn by Chloe Ito Ward

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

All The Ways We Learn by Chloe Ito Ward 

Illustrated by Yaroslava Apollonova

Publisher: Rise x Penguin Workshop
Publication Date:  July 7, 2026

 

Format: Hardback

Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

An empowering picture book celebrating the many ways kids learn best. 

Not every child learns by sitting still and staying quiet. Some kids learn by jumping and tapping their feet. Others by building, drawing, or making a joyful mess. However they learn, all kids deserve to feel proud of and confident in themselves! This book celebrates the many brilliant and beautiful ways kids take in the world, helping them feel seen, supported, and loved. 

Created by a neurodivergent author and illustrator team, with back matter to learn more about neurodivergence and simple accommodations, this is an essential reminder that there’s no one right way to learn.

• Written by an Expert with Lived Experience: Author Chloe Ito Ward is an early childhood educator and former curriculum director who drew from her professional and personal experiences growing up with ADHD to create an authentic, affirming book.
• Supports Educators and Caregivers: Back matter includes explanations of common neurodivergent traits and simple accommodations to help create a more inclusive classroom or home.
• Inclusive and Uplifting: This book normalizes a wide range of learning styles and models how to support all children in diverse learning environments.
• Impactful Art: Neurodivergent illustrator Yaroslava Apollonova brings a bright and whimsical point of view to this book, adding a sense of belonging on every page.

Review: 

Written for ages 3-6, All The Ways We Learn is such a beautiful introduction to learning differences, reminding young readers that there is no "right" way to learn. Rather than presenting differences to overcome, the book celebrates them, showing children with ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia and more -emphasizing that everyone has strengths, challenges, and ways of understanding. 

The illustrations are so inclusive, expanding beyond the learning aspects of the book, but also showing young readers differences in race, culture, and physical disabilities as well. That thoughtful representation makes the story feel more welcoming and accessible. I really appreciated the attention to detail there. The images are bright and inviting and young readers will certainly connect with one or more of the character regardless of accommodation. 

Growing up, many of us were taught that people were simply visual, auditory, or hands-on learners. This book expands that conversation in a meaningful way - introducing accommodations and some challenges.  It gently reinforces supports like fidget toys, sensory tools, tactile learning, quiet spaces and more and that they aren't special treatment but tools that help others learn and grow. 

One of the book's greatest strengths is that is it just as impactful for an adult audience. The inclusion of definitions, resources, and an accommodation list provides parents and caregivers practical information to help and deepen their understanding of neurodiversity. 

Overall, this is a lovely book about such a meaningful topic. I think all households should give it a read. 

About the Author and Illustrator

Author Bio: Chloe Ito Ward is a Japanese American author. A former curriculum director, she has a master of education degree in curriculum and instruction and spent the last decade teaching kindergarten, where she discovered her passion for picture books. Chloe is the author of Love Grows Here (2024) and Made for More (2025). When Chloe isn’t perfecting her ramen recipe, you can find her rock climbing or dancing in the kitchen with her husband, son, and their imaginary dog, Miso.

Illustrator Bio: Yaroslava Apollonova is a neurodivergent author-illustrator and character designer with an uncontrollable desire to know everything about anteaters (and all other weirdly shaped animals). She enjoys creating stories and characters to inspire kids to embrace who they truly are and never give up on their dreams. When Yara isn’t drawing, you can find her baking white chocolate chip cookies; drinking coffee before bed; having deep conversations with her cats, Ciri and Nala; and gathering new ideas for illustrations from documentaries at 3 a.m. You can even find her doing all of that while drawing, too!

 

Happy Earth Day with Penguin Young Readers!

Happy Earth Day! 

Today we are celebrating Earth Day with titles from Penguin Young Readers. Many thanks to Penguin for letting me review some of these amazing titles. 

Here are three of their Children's book releases that are out now or coming soon.

Take a look!

Eco: The Little Electric Taxi by Deb Adamson, illustrated by Patrick Corrigan

Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Publication Date:  March 3, 2026

About the Book:

For fans of Little Blue

Truck and Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site comes an adorable electric taxi cab who saves the day in this sweet picture book—with an eco-friendly twist!

Eco, the little electric taxi, and his driver, Charlie, work day and night—helping people get where they need to go. On the way to a school drop-off, Eco and Charlie find themselves stuck in a huge traffic jam—there are ducks stranded in the middle of the road! Will Eco be able to help lead them to safety?

With themes of environmental conscientiousness, rhyming text, and delightful art, Eco is perfect for Earth Day celebrations, or as a gift to any car-loving kid looking for a new read-aloud!

 

Rating: 

Review:

This charming picture book introduces young readers to Eco, a little electric taxi with a big heart, while weaving in themes of noise and air pollution. The story is simple and sweet, making it especially accessible for younger children.

The illustrations are so much fun, they are bright, detailed, and full of personality. Kids will likely be drawn to the expressive scenes and especially the adorable ducks. The sound effects sprinkled throughout make it engaging and interactive, encouraging children to join in as they listen or follow along with loud HONK!s or little beeps.

The conflict is resolved quickly and gently, which makes this a great choice for a calming bedtime read. Overall, it’s a cute, eco-conscious story that combines an important message with warmth and playfulness, perfect for Earth Day and little ones who love vehicles, animals, and stories with a happy ending.

About the Author: 

Deb Adamson (she/her) grew up exploring the Massachusetts shoreline and now lives along the Connecticut coastline. She writes books with heart and humor to encourage curiosity. She was a former broadcast news journalist, freelance essayist, and syndicated columnist for Gatehouse News Service. She was also a public relations director and spokesperson for a major US aquarium. She is currently a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

About the Illustrator:

Illustrator and author Patrick Corrigan grew up in a cloudy town in Cheshire where he brightened up his life with various creative endeavors and activities—his favorite was cross-stitch! He studied ceramics at university before training as an art teacher. He then went on to become the art director of a busy design studio in London. In 2018 he made the decision to try his hand as a freelance illustrator and has never looked back. His work has been commissioned by numerous clients, including Walker, Flying Eye, HarperCollins, Penguin, Hachette, and Quarto.

 

Turtle Slept In by Jacob Grant

Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: April 28th, 2026

About the Book:

Turtle is the last to hatch, and her siblings have all left for the sea. Now she must venture across a busy beach and into the waves to find them. But the sea is big. REAL BIG.

Turtle slept in — and all her siblings already hatched and made it to the sea. Now she must journey across the beach and navigate shoddy sandcastles, stomping feet, and hungry seagulls to reach the water.

Lucky for Turtle, she's not alone. Bird will do her best to keep Turtle safe along the way, but it's not the dangers of the beach that worry Turtle. The closer Turtle gets to the sea, the bigger it looks, and the more she wonders if she can ever find her family in something so big.

  

  

Rating:

Review:

Such an engaging picture book! We follow a small turtle who hatches later than her siblings and must make her journey to the sea on her own. She is excited to have fun and the adventure across the beach to find the sea and her family. The book becomes a little more emotional as she gets closer with themes of fear, courage, and finding your place in a very big world.

Turtle is an easy character to connect with she’s curious (like little readers) and wants to enjoy the fun, but underneath that is a very real nervousness about being left behind and facing something as large as the ocean. There is a Bird that serves as a wonderful companion, offering guidance and reassurance. Their relationship adds warmth and a gentle sense of humor to the story as Bird tries to be the voice of reason, while Turtle runs off.

The illustrations are large, colorful spreads that emphasize just how small Turtle is in comparison to her surroundings. Everyday beach elements like sandcastles, people, and seagulls, feel oversized and sometimes intimidating, which is a clever way of showing perspective from Turtle’s point of view. So fun!

Overall, it’s a thoughtful and visually rich story about bravery and taking that first big step, even when things feel overwhelming. Turtle’s journey across the beach and her decision to head into the vast sea make for a satisfying and encouraging read, and Bird continues to be her friend.

About the Author:

Jacob Grant is an author, illustrator, and dad who makes picture books. He is a winner of the prestigious 2024 Bologna Children’s Book Fair Illustration Exhibition, and he’s also an okay kids' soccer coach. Jacob is originally from Cincinnati, and now lives with his wife and two little ones near Chicago. He can be found in his home studio, drawing and writing until something feels story-ish. Learn more at JacobGrantBooks.com.

Axl the Axolotl is Not a Frog by Benj Pasek, Justin Paul, and John Paul Brammer; illustrated by Vanessa Morales 

Publisher: Flamingo Books

Publication Date: April 14, 2026

About the Book:

Introducing Axl the Axolotl!

On the first day of school, Axl the Axolotl finds where he belongs in this charming story about learning to love the things that make you different.

It was the first day of school in Flower Bed Lake, and every little creature knew exactly where to go. Everyone, that is, except Axl. The fish, lizards, and frogs all headed to their own schools to learn how to glub glub and ribbit, but there was only one of Axl. Will he ever find where he belongs?

From EGOT winners Benj Pasek & Justin Paul, the songwriters behind The Greatest Showman and Dear Evan Hansen, and written by critically acclaimed author JP Brammer comes a story of a brave and curious axolotl who is determine to find where he belongs. Brought to life by Vanessa Morales, this is a funny, delightful story about loving the things that make you unique and that finding the place you belong might look different than you expected. Complete with fascinating, kid-friendly facts about axolotls!

  

Rating:

Review:

AH! This was the cutest book! I love Axolotl's and am so excited for kids to learn more about them. In this story we are introduced to Axl the Axolotl as he figures out his first day of school and where he fits in. The story is playful and relatable, especially for kids who have ever felt a little out of place. Axl’s attempts to join the fish, lizards, and frogs, without much luck and it adds humor while also reinforcing the message of self-acceptance in the end.

One especially fun touch is the interspersed Spanish throughout the text, which adds a lively, inclusive feel and makes the reading experience even more engaging. I felt like I learned a lot, both about a new animal and some Spanish.

The illustrations absolutely steal the show here. They are vibrant, richly detailed, and full of personality. Every page feels alive with color and movement. The environments are just as thoughtfully crafted as the characters, giving readers so much to look at and explore. It’s the kind of book where you can linger on each spread and keep noticing new little details, which makes it incredibly fun to revisit. They are so bright and almost glowing.

Beyond the story itself, the book also introduces kids to axolotls, which is probably a new and odd animal for many readers. The included facts throughout and at the end add an educational layer which is always a plus.

Overall, it’s a charming, visually stunning book with a warm message about embracing what makes you unique, wrapped in a fun and engaging reading experience.

About the Authors:

Oscar and multi-Grammy, Tony, and Emmy winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul are songwriters and producers best known for the films La La Land and The Greatest Showman and the musical Dear Evan Hansen. In 2024, they achieved EGOT status when they won an Emmy for Only Murders in the Building. Their screen credits include Trolls; Spirited; Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile; live-action Aladdin and Snow White, among others. They are the composers of Dogfight, James and the Giant Peach, the song cycle Edges, and A Christmas Story and co-producers of Pulitzer Prize winner A Strange Loop. Among countless songwriting honors, they won the Jonathan Larson Award and the ASCAP Vanguard Award. 

John Paul Brammer is an author and illustrator from rural Oklahoma currently based in Brooklyn, New York. He is the author of the popular advice column ¡Hola Papi!, as well as a memoir in essays of the same name, published in 2021 with Simon & Schuster’s flagship imprint. He is the winner of the 2022 Brooklyn Public Library Prize for nonfiction, as well as the Betty Berzon Emerging Writer Award. His work has appeared in The New Yorker, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and more. 

About the Illustrator:

 Vanessa Morales is a Mexican illustrator and character designer with a deep love for nature and all things whimsical. She is the illustrator of Diego Fuego the Firefighting Dragon by Allison and Rafael Rozo and Monster Baker written by Laura Lavoie. Vanessa also works in animation for companies including Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, and Kodansha VR Lab Japan. Vanessa was born and lives in the south of Mexico in Chiapas, and her artwork draws from the rich nature, culture, and legends of Mexico.