cover of We Are the Keystones - black background with beautiful animal silhouettes of lighter colors include a bear, top left, an otter, top right, an alligator bottom left a wolf center, and a beaver right bottom
Posted in Nonfiction, PB, So Many Good Books

We Are the Keystones: Animals That Hold Habitats Together

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

Perfect Picture Book Friday

We Are the Keystones: Animals That Hold Habitats Together (Beach Lane Books*, 2026) by Katy S. Duffield and illustrated Hannah Salyer is an interesting read–I learned new things, and it even changed my attitude about some animals. Isn’t that cover gorgeous?

Keystone animals are those that make ecosystems survive. This nonfiction book simply explains these amazing animals’ roles in nature from forests, through prairies and jungles, to the ocean and savannahs. This book can be read straight through the rhyming text, or with stops along the way to read additional information, or a second time with reading the information. I found the backmatter fascinating.

Read about the author here and see Katy’s books here (a downloadable list is provided in addition to the ones shown).

Check out the illustrator’s portfolio here where you can also click on books, and check out each title. Read about Hannah here.

*I received a copy from the publisher for review. The book comes out in September.

cover of Adventures in the City of Stories shows three kids in front of one of the lions at the NY Public Library
Posted in MG Novels, So Many Good Books

Adventure in the City of Stories

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Adventure in the City of Stories (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2026) by Emma Otheguy and illustrated by Poly Bernatene is a fun novel of time travel that just came out in July.

Seventh grader and honor roll student Camilla is crying because she got in trouble with the school principal for bringing inappropriate books* to her Miami school, and now a letter has been sent to all the parents talking about how they were confiscated. Cami thinks she can’t ever go back to school. To cheer her up, Jorge shows her their aunt’s old folktale book and puppets. But when an eighth grade bully threatens to throw the book in the dumpster, the two jump into a magic tinajón (large pot) to escape and get transported in time and place. Back to 1930s New York. Where more trouble awaits.

I loved the mix of contemporary and historical in this story. It was a pleasure to “meet” some people from the past, including Pura Belpré, the first Latina librarian at the New York Public Library. I learned some Spanish as well as history. And who doesn’t love magic?

The book is a companion to Cousins in the Time of Magic, which I hadn’t read, but now want to. This story definitely stands alone. (I was given a copy of the book from the publisher for review.)

Read about the author here and see Emma’s other books here.

Read about the illustrator here–there are spot illustrations throughout the book. See Poly’s books here (he’s an author as well) and check out his his kid friendly illustrations here.

*The books were in Spanish about Latino students.

cover of Spooky Scouts shows monsters camping and boating with a worried wolf character front and center
Posted in PB, Read-aloud, So Many Good Books

Spooky Scouts

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

Perfect Picture Book Friday

I again have a preview* of a book that will be popular at Halloween, but will also be perfect in preparation for camping and young scouts–Spooky Scouts (Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2026) by Kimberly Shrack.

The book starts with Luna saying, “The Spooky Scouts Pledge.” Turn the page and see the other Scouts and learn what Luna loves. Most of all she loves the annual camping trip…especially the s’mores. But when she finds out that tonight is a full moon, can she keep her secret?

I loved the humor and the comical events that ruin her plans. I think kids will also enjoy the extras in the illustrations.

This is the author/illustrator’s debut picture book. Read about Kim here and see some of her art here. In 2027 she has a second book coming out called Braaains.

*I received an advance copy from the publisher for an honest review. The book comes out the end of August.