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.

Early Reader Review: Somewhere in Nowhere by Steven Gellman

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

Somewhere in Nowhere by Steven Gellman 
Publisher: NineStar Press
Publication Date:   April 14, 2026

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Coming out is hard, especially when you have two gay moms. At least it is for Simon Bugg. He doesn’t want the world to think that having gay parents has turned him gay. And he certainly doesn’t want anyone to know about the alien in his stomach that’s trying to kill him.

It’s Simon’s senior year and his world just turned upside down. When his mom scores a dream job, Simon lands at a new school away from the only friends he has ever known. Now, his mom is overworked and chronically stressed, and his deadbeat dad is back on the scene. Navigating a new school and new friends is a challenge for a neurotic overthinker, and Simon finds himself turning to his rescue cat and a local barista for support. But when Simon meets the handsome PJ in drama class, he gets talked into a date that he derails in spectacular fashion.

With a little help from his friends—new and old—Simon finds his way back to PJ. But how can he have a real relationship with the boy of his dreams when he’s convinced he’s going to die? No one knows about the nightly alien attacks at 11:22. Why then, and why do they keep getting worse? Simon must face a dark secret inside before he loses his chance with the boy he loves.

Review: 

Please check trigger warnings before reading this one.

After reading this seemingly crazy synopsis, I took to the reviews and people have had mixed feelings with this books so far, probably because the synopsis is so odd...

However, this was such a thoughtful and engaging coming-of-age story that ended up being much deeper than I expected.

Going in, I was intrigued by the synopsis — it was so add. Especially the “alien” element...but pretty quickly it became clear that the alien is a metaphor for anxiety and panic attacks. As someone who deals with anxiety, I really appreciated how accurately and persistently it was portrayed. The author does a great job showing how all-consuming it can feel, and how it creeps into every part of life. The “alien” comparison is especially valid, as it captures that sense of fear, confusion, and not understanding what’s happening to your own body. It almost feels like the story might veer into sci-fi at times, but it stays grounded in a very real emotional and physical experience.

While Simon’s journey with coming out is definitely a central thread in the book, I liked that it wasn’t the only focus. The story also explores anxiety, trauma, grief, and the overwhelming feeling of everything changing at once. At its core, it’s really about Simon learning that he’s safe, that he’s loved, and that he doesn’t have to face everything alone. You have to get past a lot of him coming to terms with being gay and it might seem like he is able to do that pretty quickly - but there is so much here if you keep with it. 

Simon was a strong main character, and I found myself rooting for him. That said, some of the dialogue felt a bit over-the-top to me, but that could very well just be a reflection of how teens talk now more than anything else and I am getting old.

Overall, this was a heartfelt and layered coming-of-age story that balances heavier themes with moments of warmth, connection, and growth. Definitely worth the read.

About the Author

Steven Gellman is an award-winning songwriter turned author. Inspired by his early reading of Judy Blume’s groundbreaking stories, Steven has found his passion for writing coming-of-age fiction that centers LGBTQ+ voices and the real-life challenges of navigating adolescence in an ever-changing world.  

Steven has long championed authentic queer storytelling — first through song, now through fiction. Billboard Magazine once praised him as one of the ‘out-queer tunesmiths [...] making waves along the coffeehouse circuit.’ His debut album Photobook was nominated for Debut Album of the Year by the Gay/Lesbian American Music Awards (GLAMA). His latest release, All You Need, was a finalist for four Wammie Awards and earned a silver from the Mid-Atlantic Song Contest for “Twenty-Nine.” 

When he’s not writing, Steven can be found sipping a cup of Dark Rose tea and plotting new adventures for his book club, Tea & Peril. Now in its tenth year, the club has hosted a growing number of New York Times bestselling authors including Travis Baldree, Sarah Beth Durst, Emily X.R. Pan, Eleanor Brown, and William Kent Krueger. 

His debut novel Somewhere in Nowhere will be published by NineStar Press (April 14, 2026).  Steven lives in Maryland’s Piedmont region with his husband and a houseful of rescued companion animals.  

Find the Author

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Early Reader Review: When You're Brave Enough by Rebecca Bendheim

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

When You're Brave Enough by Rebecca Bendheim
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Publication Date:  April 7, 2026

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

A heartfelt, gorgeously written debut middle grade novel about best friends, first crushes, and coming out—perfect for fans of Kyle Lukoff and Jake Maia Arlow.

Before she moved from Austin to Rhode Island, everybody knew Lacey as one half of an inseparable duo: Lacey-and-Grace, best friends since they were toddlers. Grace and her moms were practically family. But at school, being lumped together with overeager, worm-obsessed, crushes-on-everyone Grace meant Lacey never quite fit in—and that’s why at her new middle school, Lacey plans to reinvent herself. This time, she’s going to be cool. She’s going to be normal.

At first, everything seems to go as planned. Lacey makes new friends right away, she finds a rabbi to help her prepare for the bat mitzvah that got deprioritized by her parents in the chaos of the move, and she even gets cast in the lead role of the eighth-grade musical. Which is when things start to get stressful, because it turns out the students at her new school have a long-standing, unofficial tradition: No matter what the show is, in the final performance, the leads always kiss for real.

Lacey’s never kissed anyone before—she’s not even sure she’s ever had a crush. And in Bye, Bye, Birdie, there are a few different co-lead kiss possibilities for Lacey to choose from. There’s confident, cocky Andre. There’s sweet, friendly Jaden. And then there’s the other new girl at school: dryly funny, impossibly cool Violet.

But while her new friends and older sister create whiteboard wall charts and botched field trip schemes to help her decide, suddenly Lacey can’t stop thinking about Grace, who she was so sure she wanted to leave behind. When Grace comes back into her life, Lacey needs to decide if she's brave enough to be who she really is, in front of the person who matters most.

Review: 

This was such a beautiful, thoughtful book about growing up, understanding yourself, navigating religious identity, and dealing with the pressures of middle school.

Lacey is a fantastic main character. She feels incredibly real. She’s in that in-between space so many kids experience: trying to fit in at a new school, with an eagerness but nervousness, while still holding onto pieces of who she truly is. I loved how her self-awareness is always present, through her thoughtful reflections of her interactions and her afterthoughts when emailing Grace. Even when she’s caught up in social dynamics and uncertainty, there is still that underlying expression of self-discovery. There’s this sense throughout the story that she could rise above the drama and pressure and she just has to figure out how.

The pacing works really well. Starting with the move and new school gives the story immediate momentum, and everything that follows feels natural and well-developed. The school’s theater culture adds so much personality to the setting, and Lacey’s excitement about it, mixed with her anxiety about its traditions, creates a interesting internal conflict.

One of the most interesting aspects of the book is how it draws parallels between different kinds of traditions. The pressure-filled expectation of kissing someone in the school musical contrasts so meaningfully with Lacey’s desire to reconnect with her Jewish identity and prepare for her bat mitzvah. Both are rites of passage in very different ways, but also in the ways of getting older. The way they intertwine adds such emotional depth to her journey.

Overall, this is a heartfelt and nuanced story about identity, friendship, and finding the courage to be honest about who you are. I loved Lacey and her self-discovery and without spoilers ... it make me happy sob in the end. Such a lovely story of self-discovery and getting older. 

About the Author

Rebecca Bendheim is an author and middle school teacher. She holds her MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts and types poems across the country with the Typewriter Rodeo poetry troupe. She lives in Austin with her partner, an orange cat, and a chorgi (chihuahua-corgi) puppy. Rebecca has bungee jumped, skydived, and swam with sharks, but the bravest thing she’s ever done is put all her deepest and gayest emotions into books. Rebecca can be found online at RebeccaBendheim.com and on social media @RebeccaBendheim.

Find the Author

Website | Instagram | TikTok

Early Reader Review: The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer and Tamara Moss

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

The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer and Tamara Moss 

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Publication Date:  April 7, 2026 

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

It’s all fun and games until someone ends up dead.

Six months ago, season four of The Escape Game ended in horror when contestant Alicia Angelos was found murdered on set.

Now season five is underway, and new contestants are ready to put their skills to the test solving the show's trickiest escape rooms. There's Adi, the cryptographer; Carter, the math whiz; Beck, the wannabe game master, and . . . Sierra Angelos, the girl who got away with her sister’s murder. Or so everyone believes.

But Sierra’s not just here to win. She’s here for justice.

When the contestants begin uncovering clues that hint at the identity of Alicia’s true killer, it becomes clear that the stakes aren’t high in this competition, they’re deadly. If these teens want to win—and survive—the game, they must solve the biggest mystery of who killed Alicia Angelos?

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Marissa Meyer and rising star Tamara Moss comes a twisty thrill-ride, filled with sabotage, betrayal, and puzzles to die for.

Review: 

This was such a rollercoaster of a book...in the best way! It’s packed with twists and turns from start to finish, and I was hooked the entire time and thinking about reading it when I wasn't. 

The story centers around a game show where contestants compete in teams to solve elaborate escape rooms. But things take a dark turn when you learn that during last season’s finale, a contestant was murdered (Alicia). Now, a new group is brought in to compete… and they’re unexpectedly teamed up with Sierra Angelos, the girl everyone believes got away with killing her sister, the contestant from last season. She is adamant that it was not her and she is here now to prove it!

The book is told through multiple POVs as the teammates work through each round while also trying to uncover the truth behind Alicia’s death. I really loved the multi-POV structure, it added depth to the story and made it fun to see everyone’s different perspectives, motivations, and suspicions. I love having all the drama and tea and thoughts from the characters.

One of my favorite parts was the team dynamic. The friendships that develop, along with the struggles they face together, felt genuine and added an emotional layer to all the tension. And the escape rooms themselves...were so much fun. The puzzles and riddles were engaging, and I loved trying to solve them alongside the characters, even though I wasn't great at it. 

Overall, this was a such an engaging, fast-paced read with a great mix of mystery, teamwork, and suspense.  Really enjoyed!

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.

Blog Tour- Review: Between the Pages and the Rink by Meadow Thompson

Between the Pages and the Rink by Meadow Thompson

Publisher: Choc Lit 
Publication Date: March 31, 2026

 

Format: Ebook


About the Book:

If loving one hockey player is reckless . . . loving two is irresistible.

After enough heartache to last a lifetime, I made a rule:

No men.

No hookups.

No distractions.

Then I walked into the Ivywood Wolves’ ice rink.

 

Dylan Crawley is the golden-boy captain — cocky grin, effortless charisma, and used to winning on, and off, the ice.

Torin Anderson is the grumpy enforcer — dark eyes, rough edges, The kind of man who doesn’t smile . . . but makes you feel everything.

One is all swagger.

One is all silence.

Both are completely off-limits.

 

Until the night they step in to protect me — like it’s instinct. Like I’m already theirs.

Dylan makes me laugh.

Torin makes me burn.

And when they decide they’re not competing . . . but sharing?

The rules shatter.

Now I’m caught between two possessive hockey gods who don’t play fair — and don’t plan on letting me go.

 

Maybe I should choose.

Maybe I can’t.

Maybe I don’t want to.

I had a good time with this why-choose hockey romance. This isn't the first one I have read but if you liked the vibes of Pucking Around by Emily Rath, you will enjoy this one as well.

Fawn is a romance writer who is researching hockey for her next book when she meets Dylan and Torin, they all hit it off pretty quickly in this spicy romance. Fawn has been through a lot: a bad relationship, helping her grandfather through his dementia, and now trying to write a book that she knows nothing about yet.. so that she has money for her grandfather's care. 

Fawn’s growth was one of my favorite parts of the story. Her growth into herself and learning how to love who she is felt genuine. Dylan and Torin balanced her perfectly in that “two sides of the same coin” way: Dylan brings the chaos, charm, and lightness, while Torin is all quiet intensity and grounding presence. Together, they just work.

I also loved that we got all three POVs. Each voice felt distinct, which made it easy to stay immersed and connected to each character’s perspective. That said, Torin calls her 'baby' waaaaaay too frequently and it was kid of repetitive at times to the point of breaking me out of the story. 

The third-act inevitable break-up definitely delivered. I went in expecting something to shake things up between the three of them, but what actually happened caught me off guard... in a good way. It added just the right amount of tension without taking away from the romance. 

Speaking of romance… it was cute, but also very spicy. Fawn wasn't expecting to find one person that she would have strong feelings for, let alone two and things really start heating up around the 40% mark, so be ready for it.

Overall, this was a solid why-choose romance with strong character dynamics, good emotional payoff, and plenty of heat. If you are loving hockey romance right now, enjoy men that fall hard, and a heroine finding her strength, this one’s worth picking up.

About the Author: 

Meadow Thompson is an English author who writes adult contemporary romance, living in the west of England. When she’s not caring for a hedgehog or walking her two dogs, she’s happily writing swoon-worthy men.

Find the Author

Website | Instagram | TikTok

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.