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.

Recent Reads: Lena the Chicken (But Really a Dinosaur!) by Linda Bailey

Source:  From Librarything Early Reviewers Program and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Lena the Chicken (But Really a Dinosaur!) by Linda Bailey

Illustrated byK-Fai Steele
Publisher: Tundra Books 
Publication Date:  October 28, 2025

   

Format: Hardback

Rating:


Synopsis: 

Chicken Run meets Tiny T. Rex in this funny farmyard tale of a feisty chicken who is sure she is a dinosaur!

Includes a die-cut cover — and back matter about how chickens (and all other birds) are the living descendants of dinosaurs!

Lena lives in a chicken coop, and she looks a lot like a chicken. But deep down, she's convinced that she's a... DINOSAUR! She can feel it in her bones. Lena just doesn't understand the scaredy chickens in her family, and they don't understand her either, with her ferociousness and big ideas. The people on the farm are also baffled... except for little Madeline, who thinks Lena has PERSONALITY.

And then, when a dastardly weasel turns up and threatens the coop, Lena's fearful family chickens out AGAIN. It's up to Lena to unleash her inner dinosaur like never before - to save the coop and show this silly bunch of chickens how to stand up for themselves. And when Madeline's science fair project shows that chickens are the closest living relatives in the world to dinosaurs, Lena's family finally starts to see that - holy hen house! - they are all dinosaurs too!

Review: 

Lena the Chicken is a children's book about ... a chicken named Lena. She insists that she is actually a dinosaur.  She is aggressive and protects herself and the other chickens. All the other chickens thinks she is being silly, but she is a believer in her ability. Madeline is a little girl that lives near the chickens and she thinks that Lena is great, she is fun to watch and she agrees that Lena is probably a dinosaur. 

Lena tries to convince her friends that being a dinosaur is great, and being 'chicken' isn't as fun. They all find out the importance of being more like a dinosaur when a weasel tries to come and eat them all and Lena saves the day. 

The story overall was so fun. As a chicken owner myself, I found it very relatable and there is always at least one chicken like Lena. The characters were fun and funny and it was a cute tale. 

The illustrations were perfect for the story with lots of colors and movement. The story is told in both text and speech bubbles making it all the more entertaining. 

Overall, this was a fun youth read and I think young readers will really enjoy it.

Early Reader Review: Shrinking Violet by Laurel Snyder, Illustrated by LeUyen Pham

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

Shrinking Violet by Laurel Snyder, Illustrated by LeUyen Pham 
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Publication Date: March 31, 2026

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

An inspiring modern fairy tale about a brave girl who shrinks and grows depending on how she feels, showing how all of us—no matter our size—are so much bigger than our fears. From Theodor Seuss Geisel Award-winning author Laurel Snyder and Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator LeUyen Pham.

Violet knows what it’s like to be when you’re afraid, you feel helpless and small. But when Violet is afraid, she doesn’t just feel small—she actually shrinks! It’s tough to stop feeling frightened when you’re only a few centimeters tall. But when Violet’s best friend is in danger, she’ll have to learn to deal with her fear in a new way—and save the day in the process.

Shrinking Violet is a beautifully illustrated story about fear and bravery for anyone who has ever felt scared and small. Readers will root for Violet as she finds her voice, stands up for her friend, and, most importantly, discovers the tremendous power of her own inner strength.

BIG Feeling small and afraid is a universally relatable experience. The shrinking metaphor at the core of Violet’s story will resonate deeply with young readers and demonstrate that being (or feeling!) small isn’t a weakness—it’s normal and completely okay.

EMPOWERING Violet is a strong female character who solves her own problems by learning to control and ultimately accept her feelings. Her story will feel familiar and wonderfully relatable to kids, and Violet is a positive role model in whom all young readers (especially girls!) can see themselves represented.

Review: 

I watched the Chronicle Spring Preview and listened to Laurel and LeUyen talk about this modern fairy tale and the process. They shared so much beauty and enthusiasm for the project. 

The book is about Violet, who shrinks when she is scared and anxious. Living in a castle along with her friend Bird. One day Bird doesn't come home and Violet is worried, so she sets off a very scary adventure to find them.  

The words and paintings evoke so much emotion, the book is really beautiful and so perfect. It really is a lovely book about feeling small both emotionally and physically in Violet's case and having to overcome those feelings and be brave for others and herself. It was a great story of bravery and confronting your fears but also a lovely representation of anxiety and how it feels all encompassing. 

The illustrations/ paintings were so vibrant and whimsical but also pulled in that feeling of 'oh no' when Violet was experiencing it... it also was a great visual representation of taking a breath and stepping back in order to feel more comfortable and I think that parents will enjoy that teachable moment. 

I think both Laurel and LeUyen did such a great job with this one and it is a perfect modern fairy tale for readers young and old. I think all readers will enjoy this one and feel empowered after reading it. 

Early Reader Review: Fabulous Creatures by Cornelia Funke

Source: From Netgalley and NorthSouth Books in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Fabulous Creatures: Legendary Animals from Around the World by Cornelia Funke, Illustrated by Ruby Warnecke

Publisher: NorthSouth Books
Publication Date:  March 31, 2026

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

From beloved, bestselling author Cornelia Funke comes a bright and bold introduction to the world’s extraordinary creatures—perfect for the youngest readers.

Also available in Spanish: Seres fabulosos.

Dragons, unicorns, and thunderbirds are only a few of the fabulous creatures young children will meet in this book!

In this bright and bold introduction to fantastical and magical animals from around the globe, bestselling and celebrated fantasy author Cornelia Funke and illustrator Ruby Warnecke invite children into the fabulous world of myth and legend.

Review: 

This was such a fun and enchanting book about fantastical animals from around the world. I really enjoyed the full-spread illustrations. The artwork is vibrant and fun, and even the smallest background details are whimsical and entertaining (little snails with wings!). The creatures truly take center stage in each spread, and the illustrations give them a bold, magical presence.

The descriptions are just long enough without being overbearing. They are informative, which makes the book easy and enjoyable to read for all ages. I especially appreciated the author’s personal opinions sprinkled throughout the facts that she pulled in. Those little commentary moments made the book feel less technical and more like you’re being guided by someone who genuinely loves these myths and legends.

While I absolutely loved the artwork, what I enjoyed most was learning about all the fascinating creatures. Of course, it includes well-known ones like the unicorn, but I loved that the author shared additional facts about unicorns in different cultures. Even better were the creatures I’d never heard of before, like the Tarand, which was completely new to me and interesting to learn about.

This children's book was a delightful mix of beautiful visuals and captivating folklore. The fact that it’s available in multiple languages also makes it accessible to a wider audience. Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves mythology, magical creatures, or simply enjoys imaginative and beautifully illustrated children's books.

Early Reader Review: Selma–The Story of a Stellar Spider by Tini Malina

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

Selma–The Story of a Stellar Spider by Tini Malina

Publisher: NorthSouth Books
Publication Date:  March 24, 2026

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

A standout new picture book talent spins the story of a one-of-a-kind spider with an unstoppable artistic spirit.

Also available in Spanish: Selma–la historia de una araña estelar.

Selma is no ordinary spider. Most spiders make webs to catch flies, but not Selma. She wants to capture the Splendor of the Universe. But it’s hard to reach the stars from so close to the ground!

So Selma sets off to discover just how far a humble spider must spin to become out of this world . . .

Review: 

Like most books for children... short book = shorter review as to not spoil things for parent readers.

This sweet story follows a little spider who dreams of spinning webs not just for food, but to make the world a more beautiful place. Determined to reach the sky and new heights and to prove that her way is valid, she climbs higher and higher, weaving intricate, colorful webs that reflect her creativity and courage.

It’s a lovely tale about following your own path, even when others tell you not to, and celebrating the beauty in being different. The illustrations are simple yet vibrant, with bold colors that will easily capture the attention of young readers. A charming and inspiring read for little dreamers and the ones that just want to do things their way.

Early Reader Review: What's for Dinner? by Larysa Maliush

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

What's for Dinner? by Larysa Maliush 
Publisher: NorthSouth Books
Publication Date:  March 17, 2026

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

Precious bunny Bunkins meets a ferocious new friend in this laugh-out-loud tale that proves not all Big Wolves are bad!

Wolves eat bunnies. Or do they?

One night, Big Gray Wolf finds a bunny in the forest. According to Wolf Rules, he has to eat it. But it’s so tiny, and so fluffy! What’s more, the rabbit family has promised a scrumptious feast to anyone who brings Bunkins home safe. What’s a wolf to do?

Review: 

Short review for a short book.

What's for Dinner? Is about a wolf that is supposed to eat anything/ anyone that is found in the forest after dark... and he comes across a bunny. The bunny, named Bunkins, has a note on him that mentions a big meal if he is returned home.

This was a cute picture book with fun and detailed images. It was great to see a nice wolf in a story. This one decides to help Bunkins. They go on a little adventure to get him back home and the wolf is happy to find a great meal waiting for him. 

Overall, this was a fun illustrated children's book about doing the right thing and both the wolf and Bunkins are fun characters to follow. I think young kids and parents will enjoy the book.

Early Reader Review: Davy: A Garden for Everyone by Brigitte Weninger

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

Davy: A Garden for Everyone by Brigitte Weninger, Illustrated by Eve Tharlet 
Series: Davy
Publisher: NorthSouth Books
Publication Date:   March 10, 2026

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

This final title in the celebrated Davy series is a warm-hearted, intergenerational story about helping one's neighbors and gardening as a community.

In Davy’s neighborhood there’s a garden that was once beautiful, but is now all overgrown. The elderly owner can no longer take care of it, and she urgently needs help. Luckily, Davy and his family come to the rescue! A charming tale about cooperation and community spirit.

Review: 

I didn't realize this was a part of a series, but it was fine as a stand alone book as well. This was a cute introduction to Davy, a little rabbit. In this installment he helps his neighbor reclaim their garden from overgrowth and saves it from a sudden downpour that threatens to flood all their hard work.

The story gives off strong 'sharing is caring' vibes and has cute, soft, but detail illustrations. Children will like the family of rabbits and their little world. The story is sweet and heartwarming.

Parents will like the positive message of helping others and it is a quick read with lovely images. 

Overall this is a cute book coming just in time for Spring. Readers will enjoy the pastel tones and gardening themes right around the time that many places are experiencing them in the real world as well.